Author: Catherine Bates

Over the years I’ve had many nicknames.  Some deserved, and some not.  In a past life I was known as the Rottweiler of the office.  Once I got my teeth into a case I was unlikely to let go.  I was quite proud of that one.  In another role I was known as the grim […]

  Why?  Because at heart I’m both a litigator and a business woman, and if people stopped making wills, I’d get to do lots of lovely court proceedings and make lots of lovely money out of your estate.  And why would you care?  You’re not here any more and you can’t take it with you! […]

As a teenager I read George Orwell’s 1984 and whilst I found it fascinating and scary in equal measures, I just couldn’t imagine that our world would evolve into something even close to what was predicted.  It was science fiction as far as I was concerned. Fast forward just a few years (!) and the […]

I was rushing back from a meeting the other day, late to get back to the office – nothing new there. I dived off the Victoria line train at Euston, crossed the corridor straight on to the Northern Line, going north.  The indicator said the train just arriving was to High Barnet, so I walked […]

But it can still be the bane of my life! I agree with Shakespeare about the benefits of knowing when to step aside, rather than fighting on, but the problem comes not with my client’s ability to exercise their discretion, but the courts. I am currently preparing for a hearing about having a judgment set […]

At the time of writing this blog, I am currently enjoying the benefits of a short break in Zagreb.  Anyone who has been here will know how much culture and history there is, not to mention the wonderful restaurants (so long as you avoid the usual tourist destinations) and the lovely people (if you ignore […]

    Is it a bird?   Is it a plane?   No, it’s a super parent!!   Anyone who has spent any time in the company of a young child will be familiar with the following scenario.   I’ve been up since 6 (despite the fact that it’s a Sunday), I’ve cleared up the […]

I’m always on at people about having their affairs in order.  Make sure you’ve got proper terms and conditions.  Don’t forget to have decent employment contracts.  What about your will.   These days, however, just having a will isn’t likely to be enough, or at the very least, you might need to consider other related […]

I’m known for many things.   I’m known for an ability to drink 4 pints of Guinness in one sitting, and still be able to walk afterwards, although not necessarily in a straight line.   I’m known for my blogging – and making law funny (or at least trying to).   I used to be […]