Biography
I am an Associate Solicitor in the Public Law and Human Rights team, specialising in civil liberties. This means that I represent individuals who have had their rights breached by the state in some way.
I have a particular interest in inquests involving state bodies (also known as Article 2 inquests), representing bereaved families who have had loved ones die following contact with the police, prisons or mental health system.
I also represent Victims of Trafficking in appeals against the Home Office and I have a special interest in any cases involving migrants' rights.
I deal with a variety of Actions Against the Police and other Public Authorities, including claims under the Human Rights Act and Data Protection Act. Most of my work is funded by legal aid. Prior to working in this team, I worked in the field of medical negligence and so have a unique understanding of claims that combine both medical issues and human rights issues.
Key highlights
- Representing the family of a young woman who absconded from a mental health hospital and went on to take her own life. The coroner concluded there was neglect on behalf of the trust and I brought a claim on behalf of her family members.
- Representing a Victim of Trafficking who had been trafficked from Africa and across several countries to the UK. She had been forced into sex work prior to being abandoned at 9 months pregnant in the UK. I assisted her in successfully appealing her negative trafficking status to ensure that she can obtain support from the government and bolster her asylum claim.
- Representing a Victim of Trafficking who had been trafficked from Vietnam across various countries to the UK. They were subject to forced labour in Germany and then forced to work in illegal cannabis farms in the UK over several years.
- Representing the family of a young trans person who had taken their life whilst under section at a high secure mental health unit. Significant failings were highlighted in the respect of their care.
- Representing a man who sustained significant facial injuries after an assault by an off-duty police officer.
- Representing a man who arrived on a small boat and claimed asylum and was wrongly imprisoned for almost a year by the authorities.
- Representing the family of a teenage girl who died by suicide whilst sectioned in a mental health hospital. The jury found there were significant failings in her care and I brought successful claims under the Human Rights Act on behalf of her family.
- Representing an individual who had their personal details leaked to a stalker in a data breach.
What inspired you to get into law?
As cliché as it sounds, I always knew that I wanted to work in a profession where I could help people. I found the law fascinating and love how it shapes who we are as a society, and how it can be used to bring remedy and justice to people in the most difficult of times. It is one of the few things we have as individuals to fight against wrongdoing by powers greater than us.
I always had a feeling I wanted to help others in this way and a work experience placement age 15 confirmed it. All these years later I still find it so interesting and rewarding.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
It’s an immense privilege to be able to represent my clients at an incredibly difficult stage of their lives. I don’t take their trust in me lightly and I will always be tenacious in my pursuit of justice for them.
Sometimes, my work can hugely impact someone's life, for example if they have been a Victim of Trafficking and I am able to help them secure the correct status. This is hugely rewarding, and I feel unduly lucky that I am able to help others in such an important way.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
The team! I feel incredibly lucky to do the work that I do alongside such a fantastic team. Everyone is so supportive and friendly. We have some amazing legal minds and a huge wealth of experience across the team which is great to learn from.
Because the firm has such a good track record, we are able to secure some of the most interesting and high-profile work. Being involved in this makes me feel that I’m really making a tangible difference to our clients’ lives.
I also like that we are able to pursue other interests, such as my passion for social mobility, where I am able to run a work experience scheme each year for students from less advantaged backgrounds who are interested in careers in Law.
What do you do away from the office?
I love to travel and immerse myself in other cultures, as well as volunteering my time to causes that I care about. Most recently, during my sabbatical, I lived in the USA, where I volunteered representing individuals facing the death penalty.
I am also a big fan of all things water based and have been lucky to scuba dive in some amazing places including the Galapagos Islands. I also love cold water swimming and try to swim outside throughout the year!
Testimonials
"Through a harrowingly difficult time, finding answers to what happened at the hospital caring for our daughter that resulted in her 16 years to end, Catherine Knight from Irwin Mitchell advised and supported us personally. She remained a rock through repeated attempts at the inquest, delayed through Covid. Irwin Mitchell continued to support us beyond the inquest as claims finalised. I cannot praise high enough the integrity and professionalism demonstrated by Catherine and Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"From the first conversation with Catherine Knight, I felt listened to, and more so, that a weight was being lifted of my shoulders. Catherine is very professional and kept me informed of the realistic outcomes regarding the clinical negligence claim. Even when she felt it might not go our way, she remained caring thoughtful with a reassuring way of not making me feel that all the work wasn't worth it, as some of the hospital procedures had been changed in light of my husband's treatment.
"Thankyou for that Catherine. I would like Catherine Knight to be congratulated on her professional ability to stay professional while being very aware of the human feelings behind the negligence. Catherine is a credit to Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and I'd recommend them to anyone who felt that the health professionals had let them down or caused harm." - 5* Trustpilot review
“Catherine always explained the main points to me and she was always at the end of the phone if I needed an explanation at any time. Catherine and other colleagues at Irwin Mitchell dealt with this case in a very professional (but friendly) manner and I would recommend them to anyone in the same situation.” - 5* Trustpilot review
"I don't know why I chose Irwin Mitchell to fight my husband's case against the NHS but I'm glad I did. Catherine Knight have kept me well informed all the way through. Even the technical jargon was well explained. I can ring or email her at any time and she's patient with me when my IT skills evaporate. I hoped I'd never have to use a solicitor for this type of occasion (my husband's death) and never want to again. But, I'm very pleased with Irwin Mitchell. - 5* Trustpilot review
"Irwin Mitchell provided an excellent service. My settlement has just been confirmed by my solicitor, Catherine Knight in my medical negligence matter. I'm very pleased with the result & with the prompt, professional, personable service that I have received throughout from Catherine. I would have no hesitation in recommending her in this specialist & extremely complex area." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Had a bad medical experience where the wrong operation was carried out, and the medics responsible were making things worse by not putting right their wrongs. This left my life in tatters so went to Irwin Mitchel for advice and help. They listened and asked relevant questions and aided me to make the most of the damage done, by getting advice from the right professionals and being compensated. The team led by Catherine Knight showed full empathy and understanding that the right outcome was obtained. Well done, would not hesitate to recommend." - 5* Trustpilot review
"My solicitor, Catherine Knight has provided an extremely helpful & thorough service. I have found all her correspondence to be very clear & easy to understand. I would recommend her to anyone who was looking for a solicitor in this field." - Adele, client
Very happy with the service I received from Irwin Mitchell, a huge thanks to Catherine who worked on my case, she made sure I was updated at every step, she was very helpful and friendly which meant I could contact her whenever I had a question. Can’t recommend them enough." - 5* Trustpilot review
