Catherine Wood KC
UK Bar Guide 2025
Band 1 : Family: Children
Band 1
About
Provided by Catherine Wood KC
Practice Areas
Catherine has an established reputation as a leading family silk. She is regularly instructed in the most complex and difficult cases concerning children. Catherine brings her considerable expertise, insight and court-room skills to each case and works hard to achieve the best outcomes for her clients.
In addition to sitting as a part-time judge (Recorder), Catherine is an arbitrator (children).
Career
Called to the Bar, Middle Temple 1985
Appointed a Recorder (Private and Public law) in 2007, SE Circuit
Appointed to Queen’s Counsel, 2011
Qualified as a Family Law Arbitrator (Children), 2017
Direct Access counsel
Professional Memberships
Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers Association
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Family Law Bar Association (former committee member)
Association of Lawyers for Children
Association of Women Barristers
Solicitors Family Law Association ( Associate Member)
Middle Temple
SE Circuit
Publications
Contributor to Butterworths Family Law Service (2017-2023)
Personal
Cricket; rugby; travel.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Catherine Wood KC is recognised for her expertise in private children law and has an impressive record when it comes to matters concerning abduction, parental alienation and sexual abuse. She often handles matters with an international element and complex issues attached. Sources praise her calm, sensitive approach to cases and clients.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Catherine Wood stands out among her fellow KCs for her humanity, wisdom, knowledge and good judgement. She is the go-to person for anything 'leave to remove'."
"Clients love her, she is very supportive of them. In the courtroom she is highly persuasive and can win judges over even when the client's position is not the easiest to argue."
"Catherine is at the top of her game, and her expertise is very high. She is an excellent advocate, using a few words to very good effect."
"Catherine Wood stands out among her fellow KCs for her humanity, wisdom, knowledge and good judgement. She is the go-to person for anything 'leave to remove'."
"Clients love her, she is very supportive of them. In the courtroom she is highly persuasive and can win judges over even when the client's position is not the easiest to argue."
"Catherine is at the top of her game, and her expertise is very high. She is an excellent advocate, using a few words to very good effect."