Katy Laverty

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Katy Laverty

Called to the Bar in 2013

Katy joined Central Chambers in October 2017 after completing pupillage at Furnival Chambers. During pupillage, Katy assisted her supervisors on murder trials, historic sexual offences and people-trafficking cases.

Katy is an effective and persuasive advocate, described by those instructing her as highly competent, articulate and “terrifyingly thorough”. She is professional and robust in her approach to all of her cases, with a clear understanding of the law and the ability to quickly assimilate complicated facts. Her skeleton arguments have been praised by members of the judiciary as cogent, well structured and succinct.

Prior to commencing practice at the Bar, Katy worked as a paralegal on clinical negligence cases whilst simultaneously managing a caseload of fast track EL/PL/OL cases. On a secondment to Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Katy assisted the legal department with inquests, personal injury and clinical negligence claims. Katy also provided assistance to attorneys on capital cases in Houston, Texas during a sabbatical.

 

Criminal Law

Katy defends and prosecutes in Crown Courts, Magistrates Courts and Youth Courts on a daily basis. She has particular expertise in representing vulnerable defendants, understanding the sensitivity required when handling their cases and concerns. Katy has been instructed in a wide range of matters, acting for those who have been charged with sexual offences, violent offences, drug offences, dishonesty offences and driving offences amongst others.

Having been appointed to the CPS Advocate Panel, Katy also prosecutes.

 

Personal Injury

Katy accepts instructions regarding all aspects of Personal Injury, undertaking work at Small Claims and Fast Track level for both Claimants and Defendants. Katy has experience in a broad range of areas, including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, occupiers’ liability claims and highway tripping claims. She undertakes advocacy at all stages of a claim and can draft advices, pleadings and schedules/counter-schedules.

 

Prison Law

Katy has appeared in parole board hearings representing vulnerable prisoners with complex mental health issues.

 

Inquests

Katy has some experience in representing family members in inquests, having recently represented the mother of the deceased in an inquest at the Coroners’ Court in Heywood. She is keen to expand her practice in this area.

 

EDUCATION

  • History BA Hons Degree- 2:1
  • Graduate Diploma in Law  – Distinction
  • Bar Professional Training Course  – Very Competent

 

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

 

MEMBERSHIPS

To instruct Katy Laverty, please contact her clerks.

 

Notable Cases

R v MS (2019)

  • Acquittal in an arson case.

R v CH (2019)

  • Suspended custodial sentence secured in a case involving possession of a bladed article, breach of a suspended sentence order and a public order matter involving a weapon.

R v AA (2018)

  • Acquittal in a multi-handed case concerning the production of class B drugs.

R v KH (2018)

  • Acquittal in a multi handed case involving the production of class B drugs and acquiring criminal property.

R v AW (2018)

  • Suspended sentence for conveying articles into a prison and drug offences.

R v CP (2018)

  • Conditional discharge following a conviction for causing unnecessary suffering to three ponies.

R V AE (2018)

  • Successful prosecution in a case involving cross-examination of an expert witness.

R v JD (2018)

  • Suspended sentence for arson involving the reckless endangerment of lives.

R v AK (2017)

  • Led in a historic sex case at Wood Green Crown Court. Defendant acquitted of all charges.

R v TM (2017)

  • Youth Referral Order in a sentence for violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and multiple breaches of a criminal behaviour order.

R v TD (2017)

  • Successfully opposed an application to adjourn a youth court trial for a s18 wounding with intent offence. The Crown subsequently offered no evidence.

R V PS (2017)

  • Represented a Defendant suffering from schizophrenia in a case involving wounding with intent.

R v AF (2017)

  • Suspended sentence order in a case where the offence had a starting point of 3 years in custody. The judge remarked that “Having heard what has been said on your behalf, I am persuaded to take a different course to that which I originally intended”.