Associate Spotlight: Kate Brett

Our Associate Spotlight turns the focus to the brilliant Associates at Dawson Cornwell.  Here we highlight the breadth and depth of experience in the firm, as well as the wide range of personalities and interests that make us who we are.

Kate Brett, a senior associate in the Matrimonial Department who qualified in 2019, shares her thoughts.

What type of work do you undertake at Dawson Cornwell?
The majority of my cases are matrimonial finance/divorce cases, but I also handle private law children cases.

My clients are a mixture of privately and publicly funded. As a firm, we are also extremely proud of our pro bono work.

Why did you want to get into law, and what led you to family law?
Family law offers a unique mixture of interpreting and applying the law, as well as dealing with and impacting lives. Unfortunately, clients come to us seeking assistance during an extremely stressful time.

Family law is special because you are able to witness the impact of decisions that you help clients to make.

There is also, as we advise clients regularly, a wide range of possible outcomes which keeps it interesting.

What has been your biggest career challenge?
Starting my career, especially securing a training contract in a fiercely competitive and impressive pool of talent. I remember my mum living and breathing the application and interview process with me, but not really understanding what on earth a training contract was or why I needed one.

And your biggest success?
Professionally it must be securing a role at Dawson Cornwell, an outstanding firm and the trailblazer in my chosen area of law.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing family law at the moment?
The poorly resourced justice system. Hearings can be listed in over a years’ time. It makes it extremely difficult to advise clients. The court buildings are crumbling around us and it feels as though it is grinding to a halt.

Public funding for those who can’t afford to pay privately has been the repeated victim of political decision-makers. This means that the courts are inundated with litigants in person who need more court time.

I volunteer at Islington Legal Advice Centre which has been running since 1971 (we recently had our 50th anniversary). I am told that the volume of people that attend seeking advice has increased dramatically and there is a direct correlation with the reduction in public funding.

Do you have any advice for people looking at a career in family law?
If it is what you want to do, you will love it. And you need to maintain your sense of humour otherwise it will be the end of you!

How do you unwind after work?
I love playing sport, especially tennis, squash, and netball. We have a Dawson Cornwell netball team climbing the ranks in a local league. Drinks with friends in the pub, especially in winter, is also a favourite of mine (on Fridays only, obviously!)

How do you start your day?
Exercise. I have a favourite loop around Hampstead Heath which wakes me up and, if there is time, a cold-water swim in Parliament Hill Lido or the ponds is my idea of heaven.

What book/film/TV show are you enjoying at the moment?
I need to watch the final episode of The Narrow Road to the Deep North. It has been captivating but brutal.

I try to read before bed. My current book, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, is a gentle way to end the day.

If your life had a theme tune, what would it be?
This is sooooooo difficult. REM Everybody Hurts. It isn’t as miserable as it sounds! Sunchyme by Dario G is a little upbeat number and great for running.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Being happy and healthy and…Newcastle United winning the Champions League and watching in the stands next to my new best friend Sam Fender, of course, who then goes on to the pitch to play.

Kate Brett

Please note that this blog is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content of this blog.