Biography
I am from the northeast and started my legal career here. I then worked at a boutique legal firm in London, gaining experience in high value cases. I returned to the northeast in 2016 and progressed my career at Silk Family Law, where I was promoted to Associate. I joined Irwin Mitchell in 2024 when our firms merged, and I am proud now to be part of our leading, national team.
I practise in a wide range of family and relationship issues. I deal with all aspects of financial applications stemming from relationship breakdown whether from divorce, separation or in relation to children.
I have experience in financial cases featuring assets held through corporate or trust structures and inherited wealth. I have particular experience in complex children matters including international relocations and allegations of parental alienation, and other welfare concerns.
I aim to be both a level head and a strong support to clients managing stressful times, including those who are dealing with especially challenging situations, such as spouses displaying narcissistic or other abusive tendencies.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Working as part of the Family team has opened up many opportunities for knowledge and skill sharing. The breadth of expertise amongst the team really is unparalleled and I am continually impressed by the commitment and dedication shown by my colleagues to their clients. This is great for our clients as it means that when you instruct a solicitor here, you have the whole team behind you.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
There is little doubt that separation and children issues are usually one of the more challenging experiences that a person will go through in their lives, so seeing clients achieve positive outcomes and move forward with their lives is the reward in this role. It is especially lovely to hear from former clients with news of happy events and updates once their matter has concluded; it serves to remind me how important and far reaching the decisions they take during this time can be, and how key the support is in achieving those goals.
What inspired you to get into law?
I chose to become a solicitor because I knew I wanted to work with people and experience challenge and variety within my working life. Family Law has proved to be the perfect fit for me as every client I meet is facing a unique set of circumstances. They need a bespoke strategy which will work for them to achieve their goals.
What do you do away from the office?
I am fortunate to live by the sea so you will often find me on the beach in my free time (weather-permitting). I like to eat well, and I spend a lot of time contemplating doing exercise.
Testimonials:
"Katie is unflappable and her client care is excellent" - Family/Matrimonial respondent, Chambers UK
"Katie has excellent communication skills and was able to provide excellent legal advice, explaining different approaches even when things were more complicated." - Family/Matrimonial respondent, Chambers UK
"Katie Machin is prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the best interests of the client." - Family/Matrimonial respondent, Chambers UK
"Katie Machin – very supportive with excellent advice throughout. Katie is a person who can easily grasp what is happening in a case and she provides the most suitable advice. Her experience was valuable and I do appreciate her calm approach even in stressful situations." - Legal 500 respondent
