Katherine Sheldrick

Katherine has over 20 years’ experience of defending professionals in regulatory, criminal and coronial proceedings. In addition, she advises her clients in related civil proceedings and claims.

She regularly advises and defends professionals under investigation by their regulatory bodies (in particular the GMC/MPTS) who are subject to parallel police, coronial and other investigations. She also advises in relation to public inquiries and was previously instructed as Independent Solicitor to an Independent Review into historic abuse. She has also successfully appealed cases in the Administrative Court and Court of Appeal and brought and opposed judicial review proceedings on behalf of her clients. 

Katherine leads our northern Crime and Regulatory defence team which are ranked in Chambers and Legal 500. She advises and represents clients being investigated for the most serious criminal offences including murder, attempted murder, gross negligence manslaughter, sexual offences (historic and multiple allegations), illegal images, assault/battery and wide-ranging allegations of dishonesty and fraud. She represents her clients at police interviews under caution across the UK. 

She advises clients sensitively and objectively throughout, critically analysing the prosecution evidence, obtaining supportive evidence and making representations with a focus on bringing matters to a conclusion at the earliest opportunity and avoiding the stress, publicity, uncertainty, costs and inevitable delay of a hearing. Where her clients are charged or referred for hearings, she works with experienced specialist Counsel and expert witnesses to prepare the defence case and secure the best possible outcome for her clients. 

Main areas of expertise

• Regulatory body investigations and hearings (in particular GMC)
• Criminal investigations and proceedings
• Public inquiries and independent reviews
• Civil negligence claims
• Appeals – regulatory and criminal

The clients she works with

• Private professional individuals
• Indemnity organisations and their members
• Doctors
• Dentists
• NHS trusts
• Nurses
• Social care organisations
• Charities

Qualifications 

• LPC (College of Law, Chester), (1998)
• CPE (College of Law, Chester), (1997)
• DPhil Biochemistry (Sussex), (1994)
• BSc Genetics (2:1 Swansea), (1990)

Professional Memberships

• ARDL (Member)

“She is a highly intelligent specialist in professional discipline. She provides all the support I need.” (Chambers and Partners)

“Katherine Sheldrick has noteworthy experience of advising doctors and dentists in criminal investigations and fitness-to-practise hearings. She frequently defends individuals facing an array of allegations, ranging from driving offences and dishonesty to assault and attempted murder.” (Chambers and Partners)

“The tireless and very clever Katherine Sheldrick is highly recommended for any person facing professional discipline proceedings, and has been a first choice for many for several years.” (Legal 500)

“Katherine Sheldrick is outstanding; a master of the fine detail.” (Legal 500)