With over 10 years’ experience working in Litigation and Dispute Resolution and with specialist knowledge and experience dealing with personal injury matters and property disputes, Kate can assist clients with all personal injury and clinical negligence claims and disputes relating to property. Kate has a reputation for being committed and compassionate to her clients, whilst having a strong eye for detail and providing a high level of service, with clients describing her as “understanding, kind and totally professional”.
Kate can assist with injury claims resulting in complex and serious injuries including those arising from road traffic accidents and accidents at work. Kate particularly has experience in dealing with claims involving amputations, head injuries and serious orthopaedic injuries.
Kate can also assist with property disputes including landlord and tenant disputes, boundary and service charge disputes.
Kate started her career in law in 2008 as a Paralegal in the Personal Injury Team at a law firm based in Kings Lynn before studying her CILEx qualifications, qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2016. In December 2018, Kate relocated to Brisbane, AU for six months and worked at a Queensland based law firm specialising in personal injury matters before returning to the UK. Kate joined Leathes Prior in September 2023, from a local law firm as an Associate specialising in personal injury but also dealing with an array of litigation matters including property and contract disputes.
With a young family, for Kate spare time is limited these days, but she enjoys spending time with her one-year-old son and her partner at the weekends, eating out, swimming and travelling together when they can. She also loves music, especially enjoying live music.
I cannot recommend Leathes Prior highly enough. After a road traffic accident that left me with life-changing injuries, their support was seamless from beginning to end. Trusting them lifted a huge burden, allowing me to focus entirely on my recovery and career. Leathes Prior took a truly comprehensive approach, from arranging an Immediate Needs Assessment and securing private treatment to even getting approval for an e-bike to help me rebuild my strength. Their meticulous attention to detail and clear communication throughout the process were exceptional, presenting both their strategy and opposing views effectively during case preparation. They exceeded all expectations. It was an absolute pleasure to see Kate, Polly, Kimberley, and the rest of the team demonstrate their expertise for my benefit.
Leathes Prior have handled my claim with professionalism, whilst retaining a friendliness too. All my questions were answered, and I was never made to feel “just another client”. Kate Smith, and her paralegal Kimberley Nelson, have been excellent throughout. We shall continue to use Leathes Prior for all our legal requirements.