M&S PROFILE: Katherine Allen

Hugh James has appointed Katherine Allen as a partner in its growing claimant division.

What was your route into the profession?

It was very traditional—law degree, LPC, training contract. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer at the age of 14 and I am very determined to succeed when I set goals for myself—watching LA Law at the time probably also had something to do with my decision to study law! My father was a carpenter and my mother gave up any career ambitions she had to look after me and my three siblings. I was the first in my immediate family to go to university.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

By far the biggest challenge in my career to date has been finding a work/life balance. This is especially so at times when I have had the demands of managing a large team while at the same time running a case load for clients who are relying on me to guide them through what they consider to be a very daunting legal process.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

I am and have been constantly inspired by my colleagues past and present. Without exception, they are passionate about the work they do and fight hard to recover compensation for those who have been seriously injured so that they can have the best possible quality of life.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?

I would have loved to have been an archaeologist but I gave up that idea when I realised that a project like the recovery of the Mary Rose does not come along every year!  However, I still have a fervent love of history.

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Martha Costello QC from Silk—I think I have a lot in common with her and she is honest and straight talking, which are both qualities I whole heartedly endorse.

What change would you make to the profession?

I would like there to be more collaboration between the solicitors acting for parties in serious personal injury litigation. By far the best results I have achieved for my clients have occurred when I have had a good working relationship with my opponent and we have learned to trust each other’s integrity while still representing our respective clients’ interests to the full. I continue to be disappointed when I come across attempts to delay the earliest resolution of claims to the disadvantage of the injured person and their family.   

How do you relax?

Long walks in the countryside that end at a great pub with good food and spending time at home or abroad with my family and friends. I have known my oldest friends since the age of 11 and when I still manage to get together with them it is like we have never grown up!

I also love dancing, although inevitably I think I can do it better than the evidence would suggest. I did a Strictly Come Dancing competition this year run by No 5 Chambers in Birmingham to raise money for the Child Brain Injury Trust and I loved it. As a result I can do a mean Paso Doble!