Biography
I am a solicitor in the medical negligence team in the London office. I joined the team as a paralegal in 2015 and then completed my training contract with various teams specialising in other areas of law, before qualifying back into medical negligence.
I help my clients to claim compensation when they have been injured due to negligent medical treatment. I also have a specific interest in Inquests and Article 2 claims, supporting clients where a loved one has died whilst under state detention in a mental health setting.
I have a wider interest in fatal claims in general, with or without an inquest or a psychiatric element. Securing justice for family members who have lost a loved one is where I feel most full of purpose.
I run my own case load, advising clients who have suffered a wide range of medical issues including:
- Psychiatric Claims (including Suicide and Secondary Victim)
- Negligent surgery
- Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Ophthalmic issues
- Negligent treatment of complex gastrointestinal injuries
- Delay in diagnosis of cancer
- Fatal cases of all kinds, including those with an Article 2 element.
I also assist other senior members of the team in various high value cases involving birth injuries, brain and spinal cord injuries and infectious diseases.
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.
Although succeeding with a claim or achieving severe criticisms in an inquest can’t turn back the clock, it’s hugely rewarding to be able to see the difference I can make together with my clients to make their lives more comfortable and/or get answers to understand what went wrong. It’s also equally rewarding to help clients, particularly in fatal claims, to ensure that lessons are learnt and the same mistakes don’t happen again.
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. I have spent time volunteering and living in Tanzania and Australia, as well as visiting many countries throughout South East Asia. I love live music and regularly go to gigs around London.
I am a Governor at a local primary school and mentor two young adults who have left the care system.
I am also a big fan of swimming, including 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
