Thrings Partner Kate Barber has been named Lawyer of the Year at this year’s Hampshire Law Society Awards.
The accolade, which recognises outstanding individuals in the region’s legal sector, cements a standout year for Kate, with Thrings also being named runner-up in the Large Law Firm of the Year category at the awards dinner, held in Southampton on Friday, 13 June.
Based in the Family team in Thrings’ Romsey office, Kate has built a reputation as one of Hampshire’s most trusted and innovative lawyers and is ranked in both the prestigious Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories following praise from clients and peers for her as being “head and shoulders above her peers”.
This past year as seen her continue spearheading the rollout of the firm’s innovative new One Couple One Lawyer(OCOL) service, which provides a more time and cost efficient route to amicable separation, with one lawyer representing both sides. Kate’s work has even been showcased in the national media, with Farmers Weekly profiling her work with a farming couple that ensured the survival of their family-run agricultural business.
Kate has also seen success in court this year, having successfully defended a mother’s right to relocate with her child in the High Court and also going above and beyond for a client facing domestic abuse with pro bono work to secure a vital protection order and swift divorce.
The award also recognised Kate’s efforts beyond her legal work, which has seen her mentor a colleague to qualification this year through the CILEX route and lead the Romsey office’s charitable efforts on behalf of the local food bank.
Kate Barber, Partner in the Thrings Family team and newly crowned Hampshire Lawyer of the Year, said: “Receiving this award is an incredible honour, and I’m truly grateful to the Hampshire Law Society for their consideration and to my colleagues and clients for their trust and support in nominating me.
“For me, family law is about guiding people through change with empathy and clarity – and wherever possible, helping them avoid the emotional and financial cost of going to court. Non-court dispute resolution isn’t just a legal process; it’s a mindset that puts families first and empowers them to shape their own futures. I’m proud to be part of a firm that shares that vision.”
Simon Holdsworth, Thrings Managing Partner, added: “Kate Barber is a shining example of what modern legal practice should look like and this award is thoroughly well deserved. Her compassion, innovation and leadership are an inspiration to many across the firm and we’re incredibly proud to have her as part of the Thrings team.”
Thrings Family lawyers are experienced in all areas of the law that are close to home. Whether it is marriages and pre-nuptial agreements, or divorces and separations, they will put your best interests first, taking the time to get to know you so that you are supported with sound advice tailored to your needs. To find out more, get in contact.
