Year of call 2021
Catrin joined Civitas Chambers following successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Kate Parker and Owain Rhys James. She is developing a broad practice across chambers’ core areas.
Originally from Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Catrin attended Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw in Pontypool before studying Law at Aberystwyth University. She went on to complete an LLM in International Development Law and Human Rights at the University of Warwick and an MRes at the University of South Wales, where her research focused on a realist review of a domestic abuse programme for children with Additional Learning Needs.
Alongside her studies, Catrin gained international experience with Camp America, working at Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin to support children and adults with disabilities. This experience sparked her commitment to advocacy and social justice, leading to an internship with the United Nations at the Habitat III Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Quito, Ecuador. Before coming to the Bar, she worked across a range of public sector organisations and was a researcher at the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) at Cardiff University, focusing on social policy and practice.
Catrin is developing a busy practice across both Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. She is accomplished at representing both defendants an claimants in small claims and fast track road traffic, credit hire and employers liability disputes. She is regularly instructed in interim applications for disclosure and expert evidence, directions and case management hearings. Furthermore, she regularly advises on quantum in infant settlement agreements.
Catrin is keen to continue to develop her practice in this area.
Catrin practises across the full spectrum of public law.
During pupillage, she assisted in drafting letters before action in proposed judicial review proceedings concerning the lawfulness of the Legal Aid Agency’s withdrawal of legal aid contracts and the application of the Welsh Government’s 2016 Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness.
She is regularly instructed by the police in applications for Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Stalking Protection Orders. Drawing on her academic background in domestic violence and human rights, Catrin has a particular interest in gender-based violence and is committed to developing her expertise in civil protection work. She has also advised on data protection laws and supported police operations relating to police conduct and fraudulent behaviour, including carrying out assessments of legal professional privilege.
Catrin has experience of inquests involving deaths in custody, which required careful handling of highly sensitive material. Her work has included reviewing and analysing video and audio evidence, preparing detailed chronologies, and working closely with witnesses to draft statements. She is keen to continue developing her practice in this area.
In housing, Catrin is instructed in both public and private law claims. She has experience in possession proceedings, disrepair actions, homelessness appeals, and tenancy disputes. She is confident in drafting pleadings—including particulars of claim, defences, and counterclaims—and regularly represents clients in small claims and fast-track trials. Catrin’s approachable manner with lay clients, coupled with her clear and pragmatic advice, makes her a strong advocate in housing litigation.
Catrin also represents appellants in immigration matters and is frequently instructed to draft skeleton arguments.
Catrin accepts instructions across the full range of employment law. During pupillage, she gained experience in the Employment Tribunal, including claims for wrongful dismissal, discrimination under the Equality Act, and whistleblowing disputes. She is confident in drafting particulars of claim and providing clear advice on prospects.
Catrin is developing a growing chancery practice, an area she particularly enjoys and is eager to expand. She is regularly instructed to provide opinions on prospects and to draft pleadings in consumer contract and property disputes, and has appeared in hearings involving insolvency matters. During pupillage, she gained exposure to a wide range of traditional and commercial chancery work, including shareholder disputes, challenges to wills, and trustee–beneficiary disputes.
For further information please contact our clerks, who will be able to help you with any questions.
