Kate joined the Civil Liberties and Human Rights team in April 2023 and is primarily instructed in civil claims against the police on behalf of individual and groups. This includes claims seeking accountability and compensation for false imprisonment, assault/battery, malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office.
Kate also specialises in cases involving protests and/or breaches of the of the European Convention on Human Rights, for example Article 3 (the prohibition on torture, inhumane and degrading treatment); Article 5 (right to liberty); Article 8 (the right to a private and family life); and Article 10&11 (the rights to Freedom of Expression and Assembly).
Kate also acts on behalf of bereaved families in inquests following the death of a loved-one in state custody and in subsequent civil claims for breaches of Article 2 ECHR (the right to life) and in negligence. She also assists clients to bring complaints, Victim’s Right to Review and Judicial Review challenges.
Kate has a particular interest in the power of protest and the right to challenge the misuse and abuse of state power. She is passionate about helping her clients to feel able to hold public authorities to account.
Before joining ITN, Kate trained at a criminal defence firm specialising in the defence of protesters and vulnerable people caught up in the criminal justice system. Before becoming a lawyer, she worked at a number of human and environmental rights organisations.
Kate studied an undergraduate degree in Social Science and an MA in Contemporary War and Peace Studies, before completing a Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Certificate.
She is a member of Netpol Lawyers Group, the Police Action Lawyers Group, Inquest Lawyers Group, Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights and she sits on the Executive Committee of the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers.
The Legal 500 says:
‘Kate Hallam is a rising star within the legal world. Her case preparation is exceptional. Meticulous, detail-oriented, and devoted to her clients’ interests, she is a truly formidable force.’
‘Kate Hallam is hard-working and thoughtful, with excellent research skills.’
'Kate Hallam brings a wealth of experience from her earlier work in crime, which is invaluable in actions against the police work"
Netpol says:
'Kate Hallam has been recommended as very effective and politically astute.'