Kate Tompkins
UK Bar Guide 2025
Band 1 : Family: Children
Band 1
About
Provided by Kate Tompkins
Practice Areas
Kate is a specialist family and children law barrister. Kate previously enjoyed a combined criminal and family practice.
She has extensive experience of representing parties in proceedings involving the death, rape, serial sexual abuse, severe physical abuse or chronic neglect of children, both in the family and criminal courts. She uses her knowledge of both jurisdictions to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for clients involved in family proceedings that arise as a result of the alleged commission of a serious criminal offence. Kate is experienced in cases involving complex and technical medical evidence including cases which involve the medical treatment of children abroad which is not supported by medical professionals within this jurisdiction. Kate has had extensive experience in cases involving diplomats and the need to protect their children when present in this jurisdiction.
In her private law practice Kate has extensive experience in cases involving the most serious and complex of issues including those in which domestic abuse is alleged, the issue of parental alienation is raised and where there is a question about whether a child should relocate to live outside of the jurisdiction.
Kate accepts instructions directly from the public without the need for a solicitor, acting under the Bar’s public access rules and as a qualified family dispute mediator Kate offers mediation for all manner of family disputes, including issues relating to a child’s residence, a child’s contact with another family member or how a child should be educated.
Career
Called 2003 Recorder 2018
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Kate Tompkins is a children law specialist who handles both private and public law issues. She has particular expertise in cases where a serious allegation is made against one parent and the other seeks full custody. Her practice has seen her receive instructions in matters with jurisdictional disputes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Tailors her strategy to each case flawlessly. She is very good with clients - they immediately warm to her and trust her."
"Kate Tompkins is an experienced, pragmatic and fierce advocate who has the ability to get to the root of issues."
"Tailors her strategy to each case flawlessly. She is very good with clients - they immediately warm to her and trust her."
"Kate Tompkins is an experienced, pragmatic and fierce advocate who has the ability to get to the root of issues."