Katherine qualified as a Solicitor in 2008 and since 2010 has specialised exclusively in Court of Protection work. In 2014, Katherine completed the STEP Diploma in Trust and Estates and is a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP). She is also appointed as a Director of the JMW Trust Corp.
She has extensive experience in managing the property and financial affairs of clients who are unable to do so themselves as a result of brain injury, or for clients who lack mental capacity as a result of negligent hospital treatment, illness or due to old age. The majority of Katherine’s cases involve the management of high profile multi-million pound compensation awards. She works closely with both clinical negligence and personal injury litigators across the country to manage interim payments until settlement. Often this will include supporting the client to purchase a suitable property and complete large scale adaptations.
Once a claim for damages has settled, Katherine supports clients and their families with management of the compensation award . She works closely with investment advisers to carefully manage funds, ensuring they will last the clients lifetime.
Katherine will act where the appointed Deputy is a professional, and she is also instructed by lay applicants who wish to apply to the Court of Protection as financial Deputy. She is regularly instructed in Statutory Will cases and gift applications for high net worth individuals.
For clients whose compensation claim has concluded, Katherine is instructed in the creation of Personal Injury Trusts, as well as on-going Trust administration.
Katherine is proud to have been appointed as Director and Treasurer of Headway Blackpool Wyre & Fylde from 2014 to 2018. The charity provides information, support and social activities for people suffering from acquired brain injuries, as well as supporting their carers, family and friends. By volunteering, Katherine was able to assist and guide the members using her knowledge of financial management under the Court of Protection.
Katherine can be seen discussing various Court of Protection matters on YouTube:
Katherine Smith is a conscientious presence within the Court of Protection team at JMW. She works tirelessly on behalf of her clients and peers in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in society and ensuring their ever-changing needs are met.