Leading family barrister joins Hay & Kilner

North East law firm Hay & Kilner has appointed leading family law barrister Kate Fenwick as partner and head of family and finance, strengthening its private family offering as it marks its 80th anniversary.

Kate joins from the independent Bar with extensive experience advising and representing clients in complex family law matters. 

In her new role, she will lead the development of an enhanced service combining strategic legal advice, in-house advocacy, non-court dispute resolution and expertise in international and high-net-worth family cases.

Kate’s practice covers complex financial remedy and children cases, including international child relocation disputes, business valuations, pensions, overseas assets and cross-border jurisdictional issues. 

She has appeared regularly in the Family Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, and previously spent a year practising in Bermuda on ultra-high-net-worth commercial disputes.

Kate was appointed a deputy district judge in the civil and family jurisdictions in 2023 and joined the Bermuda Human Rights Tribunal in 2024. 

She is consistently recognised as a leading junior in both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.

Kate said: “I am delighted to be joining Hay & Kilner as partner and head of family and finance. 

“Having worked closely with the firm for many years, it feels particularly special to make that relationship official.

“I bring a combination of advocacy, trial experience and strategic insight gained from my career at the independent Bar, alongside international experience advising clients in Bermuda. 

“Having seen family disputes from both an advocate’s and a judge’s perspective, I can help clients navigate complex situations with clarity, confidence and a clear strategy from the outset.

“The opportunity now is to build a genuine 360-degree private family law offering that currently doesn't exist in Newcastle. 

“By bringing specialist advice, in-house advocacy, non-court dispute resolution and access to expertise across private wealth, international family law and business matters together under one roof, we can provide a seamless cradle-to-grave service that delivers exceptional value for clients.

“Hay & Kilner has an outstanding reputation and shares my commitment to providing supportive, dynamic and exceptional client service. 

“I am excited to work with colleagues across the firm to create a truly holistic private family practice and support clients through some of the most important and challenging periods of their lives.”

Kate’s appointment represents a significant investment in Hay & Kilner’s private family practice as the firm expands its specialist support for clients across all aspects of family law.

Claire Simmons, partner at Hay & Kilner, said: “Kate's appointment is a significant step in the continued development of our private family offering and our ambition to provide clients with a complete, end-to-end family law service which strengthens the other high net worth practice areas the firm provides.

“Her combination of advocacy expertise, judicial experience and specialist knowledge of complex domestic and international family matters is exceptional. 

“By bringing those skills in-house, we are further strengthening our ability to support clients at every stage of the process, from early strategic advice and dispute resolution through to representation in court where needed.

“As client needs become increasingly complex, particularly in matters involving businesses, wealth structures and international elements, it is important that we continue to evolve our offering. 

“Kate’s appointment reinforces our commitment to investing in high-calibre talent and delivering the specialist, joined-up advice that clients expect from Hay & Kilner.”

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