Biography
I am a solicitor in our Public Law and Human Rights department. I have expertise in a range of human rights work, as well as community care law, health and social care law, and children’s rights.
Court of Protection
I am routinely instructed to represent individuals in health and welfare proceedings in the Court of Protection. I have expertise in in mental capacity law, acting on behalf of vulnerable clients who are deprived of their liberty. I often represent young people who have complex care needs, as well as vulnerable adults who may be at high risk of abuse. I am frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor, as well as advocates and family members. I have worked on a range of complex matters, including urgent medical disputes, deprivation of liberty challenges and best interest disputes.
I have also supported clients who are detained in Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs), many of whom have been living in very restrictive settings for a number of years and wish to move back into the community.
Children’s rights
I have a particular interest in children’s rights and I was shortlisted in the category of children’s rights at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards in 2023. I represent children in care and care leavers, and have acted for teenagers who are street homeless, often having fled abusive environments. I advise clients as to their rights under the Children Act 1989 and have helped young people secure safe accommodation and urgent support which they are entitled to. I regularly deliver training on aspects of children’s law and am currently instructed by a children’s rights charity in Module 8 of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry, exploring the impact of the pandemic on children.
Judicial review and community care
I have acted in various judicial review proceedings in the High Court, seeking to hold public bodies account for unlawful decisions. Past cases have involved policy challenges and consultation challenges, including working on high profile claims against central government departments. My clients have included charitable and not for profit organisations and I previously supported the children’s rights charity Article 39 in a claim which raised concerns about the use of unregulated accommodation for 16 and 17 year old children in care, following which I was interviewed on BBC’s Law in Action.
As well as representing organisations in public law challenges, I also act for individual claimants, particularly disabled clients and their families. I have successfully acted for clients seeking to challenge significant reductions to their care packages, which had risked leaving them without crucial support.
Inquests and Inquiries
I am a lead on Public Inquiries within our firm. I have experience applying for Core Participant status, helping to provide evidence to an Inquiry, preparing for Inquiry hearings and representing clients during the Inquiry process. I have recently been involved in different modules within the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
I have also acted for bereaved families in inquest proceedings following the death of loved ones, particularly where Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights is engaged. I have helped families obtain important answers concerning their relative’s death whilst in state detention, and I previously assisted in inquest proceedings which raised concerns about eating disorder care, following which the coroner called on the government to make improvements nationally.
Migrant’s Rights and Modern Slavery / Human trafficking
My practice also involves acting on behalf of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. I have been able to challenge decisions made by the Home Office in order to uphold the rights of trafficking survivors. I have also represented individuals who have suffered sexual violence and domestic abuse, and I have experience acting for unaccompanied asylum seeking children in claims against the Home Office / local authority.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I feel lucky to work with some brilliant colleagues who are leading experts in their field and are always willing to share their knowledge and empower others. The Public and Human Rights Law team at Irwin Mitchell is a very supportive environment to work in.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
It is extremely rewarding and humbling to promote the rights of vulnerable individuals and fight to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients and their families. I also love being part of a wonderful community of legal aid lawyers.
What inspired you to get into law?
I wanted to pursue a career which challenged me and provided opportunities to help others. I am passionate about fighting to ensure my clients’ voices are heard, and working in Public and Human Rights Law also provides opportunities to try and enact wider change.
What do you do away from the office?
I love reading, travelling and cooking.
Testimonials
"Both of the solicitors have helped me climb out of a very dark hole and help me to get fair treatment for my son I could never have done this without either of them and the barrister who was also amazing. I could not have asked for more from them they have all been there every step off the way to help me deal with everything. Both of the solicitors are worth their weight in gold so is the barrister" - 5* Trust Pilot Review
“I've been very grateful for the support that Katie Wilkins and Oliver Studdert have provided in helping my organisation contribute to the Covid-19 Inquiry. We had not engaged with an inquiry before, and their support in managing the preparation of written submissions, gathering evidence, and in giving oral evidence has been valuable. The inquiry process is complex and their support and guidance, as well as liaising with the inquiry, has made a huge difference to what we have been able to offer the Inquiry and enabling us to meet the requirements the Inquiry set out.” - 5* Trust Pilot Review
“Katie provides carefully considered and meticulously researched advice, confidently and calmly. She clearly has a depth of legal knowledge in her areas of expertise as she is equally able to provide advice ‘off-the-cuff’ in response to questions. As part of a team, Katie is invaluable. She is utterly dependable, unflappable, and has an excellent manner with clients.” – Counsel
“Irwin Mitchell is an incredible law firm, and I highly recommend it. The solicitor I worked with specifically was Katie Wilkins. From the beginning until the end of my case, it was handled with professionalism and sensitivity. During the whole process, I was consulted on every step she was taking to ensure the best outcome for me. Katie always kept me up to date on what had been discussed, which I really appreciated and made me feel like my case was being handled by the right person.” - 5* Trust Pilot Review
“She really helped sift through the jumble of issues and the deeply-felt injustices which we wanted to raise and brought structure and focus to our arguments. She kept us on track and provided excellent drafts of letters and documents at very short notice. She brought strong understanding of the world of learning disability and social care and was committed to giving people with a learning disability a clear role and voice in the proceedings. In addition, she has good interpersonal skills and is a pleasure to work with.” – Previous client
“This is the best solicitors ever I have met since I came to the UK. Communication with client 10/10” - 5* Trust Pilot Review
"Kirsty Stuart and Katie Wilkins provided an exceptional service on behalf of my son and I. They were always available for help and advice and showed great empathy to our situation. I could not have asked for better support and legal advice. Kirsty and Katie stepped in immediately during an extremely difficult and traumatic time and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and diligence." - 5* Trust Pilot Review
“Katie’s knowledge of her chosen area of law is impressive; her work is thoughtful, tenacious and efficient and she is always on top of deadlines. Her excellent communication skills stand her in good stead, whether she is carefully eliciting wishes and feelings or managing a tricky RTM. She is a pleasure to work with.” - Counsel
“Ollie and Katie were fantastic support throughout the Covid Inquiry. They helped explain the complex legal processes, interpreted the requests and requirements, advised on drafts and generally held our hand - even coming along on the day when we gave evidence. Can't thank them enough!” - 5* Trust Pilot Review
Publications
Interview on BBC Radio 4's Law In Action
Mental health law reform: The Joint Committee’s report and what this could mean for individuals who are autistic or who have a learning disability
