Catherine Woolley
About Catherine
Catherine Woolley is one of the Regional Heads of Cartwright King’s Child Care Department in the North of England predominantly managing the Manchester and Stockport Team.
Cath is an experienced solicitor, having been qualified since July 2001. Throughout her career, Cath has specialised in family law and, in particular, matters concerning children law. In November 2006 she became a Law Society Children’s Law Accredited Specialist (which used to be known as the Children Panel).
Cath predominantly specialises in representing children within complex public and private law Children Act proceedings. As an experienced and competent advocate within her specialist field, Cath represents children in both public and private law proceedings, either through their appointed guardian, with instructions from guardians throughout the North West, or by representing the children and young people directly. She is well respected throughout the circuit and has an excellent reputation.
At Cath’s previous firm she was part of the team who won Manchester Law Society’s Family Law Firm of the Year in 2020 and the Talk of Manchester Awards in 2023.
Social Responsibility
Cath is strongly committed to social responsibility, raising significant funds for charities through fundraising, sponsorship, and events, while also supporting delivering free legal advice clinics linked to her family law work.
She is equally passionate about developing others, inspiring colleagues across the firm to reach their potential and fostering a supportive, highperforming culture.
Advises on Following Areas of Law
- Children – public/private
- Adoption
- Deprivation of Liberty Orders
Specific Areas of Expertise
- Representing guardians and children
- Deprivation of Liberty Orders
Serviceable Areas
Catherine represents parents, carers, and children across Greater Manchester (A3), Lancashire (A2), and Merseyside & Cheshire (A9). She regularly appears in courts in Manchester, Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool, Preston, and Lancaster, as well as Liverpool, Sefton, Cheshire East, and Cheshire West & Chester. Emma works closely with families to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected throughout care proceedings.
View the full Cafcass Map.
Panel Memberships and Accreditations
- Children Law Accredited
- Association of Lawyers for Children
- Member of Legal Aid Practitioners Group
Awards and Nominations
- Family Law Firm of the year – Manchester Law Society 2020
- Talk of Manchester Awards 2023
Charity Membership/Fundraising Activity/Pro Bono Work and Initiatives
Here to help. Contact Catherine.
Catherine and all the team at Cartwright King are dedicated to helping you. If you need help, contact Catherine by email using this form.
