Biography
I am a solicitor in the Sheffield Medical Negligence department. I have specialised in medical law since 2016 and have experience of working on a huge variety of medical negligence claims. These include fatal claims, surgical claims, missed or delayed diagnoses, spinal injuries, brain injuries, birth injuries, and amputations.
What inspired you to get into law?
I spent my school days planning a career in the police. However, when the time came to leave school, I decided that I wanted to see what university was all about. I made the decision to study law with a view to applying to the police later - but I never looked back!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Many clients contact Irwin Mitchell having suffered life changing injuries or devastating bereavements. It’s extremely rewarding to be able to support them in obtaining financial compensation to improve their future, for example to provide financial security or to fund rehabilitation.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I enjoy working for a firm that supports me in supporting others. Our clinical negligence clients already feel let down by professionals. I take real pride in working for a firm that encourages me to spend time with my clients and build relationships with them.
I also enjoy getting involved in my local community. Working at Irwin Mitchell, and particularly the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, has given me opportunities to develop relationships with a wide range of charities and organisations. I am especially proud to support Sheffield Smashers Boccia Club as a referee and coach.
What do you do away from the office?
My perfect Sunday would involve a long walk in the Peak District followed by a roast dinner and board games with family. I will also talk about my dogs given any opportunity!
Testimonials
"I have just recently had a Clinical Negligence claim reached a successful conclusion, with an out of court settlement against an NHS Trust. This claim has taken several years to reach a conclusion, and having had several fee earners looking after my case during this time, more recently this has been conducted by Katie.
"I have to say that the time during which Katie has had conduct of my file has been the most satisfactory. Katie was in the final throws of her training when she assisted with my matter, and then post qualification, saw my case to a satisfactory conclusion, negotiating a settlement.
"My matter was very sensitive and of an intimate nature and I Katie guided me through the latter most traumatic stage of my claim with the utmost of dignity and respect, kindness and "jargon" free communication and correspondence - guiding me through the process and listening to my concerns, encouraging me to keep going when I was minded to give up due to the trauma that reliving the experience of my surgery and post operative complications that had caused me so much pain and emotional distress.
"The process has been frustrating at times, due to the complexities of my matter, however, I would highly recommend this lady who was looking after me for a short while, but I am privileged to find out that I was the first client/case that she saw to a settlement following her qualification as a solicitor after completing her training contract. I wish her all the best in her career and thank her very much for her kindness, compassion and professionalism." - 5* Trustpilot review
“I can’t recommend Sarah Rowland and her team enough for their professionalism, expertise and sensitivity in handling a difficult case for me over the last two years. From the outset Sarah, Amanda and Katie were helpful approachable and supportive. They kept me up to date with any developments which was very reassuring in a lengthy process and I always felt able to get in touch if I needed any information and my opinions and thoughts were taken into account.” - 5* Trustpilot review
“Clear, helpful advice from Katie [Balcombe] who responded to my enquiries and questions efficiently and promptly and followed up with the agreed actions similarly. I appreciated her thoughtful, understanding and empathetic approach.” - 5* Trustpilot review
