Kate Shawcross

Email:

Kate.Shawcross@porterdodson.co.uk

Phone:

01823 625871

Location:

Taunton

Position:

Partner

Team:

Employment

Specialism:

Employee rights, Employment and HR advice, Disciplinary and Grievance, Employment tribunal, Redundancy, Discrimination, Whistleblowing, TUPE

Get In Touch

Bio

I joined Porter Dodson in November 2022, having relocated from Lancashire to Somerset. Prior to this, I headed up the Employment team at a large regional firm in Lancashire. I qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and specialise in Employment law.

I act predominantly for employers across a wide range of sectors, as well as senior execs and employees, undertaking all types of Employment work, including day to day HR advice, through to Employment Tribunal claims, and advising on the employment aspects of buying or selling a business.

Building a strong relationship with my clients is key, and I aim to understand their business needs and requirements to ensure that I can tailor my advice, to achieve the best possible outcome in any situation.

I am married with two young sons and enjoy spending my spare time getting out and about to explore the local area. I enjoy playing hockey and paddle boarding.

Testimonials

Ready to work with remotely. Nice people, great value.

Andrew

Quick responses with concise and extremely helpful advice. It helped a stressful experience become very manageable.

Philip

Kate is fabulous. Clear straightforward advice and swiftly turned around a difficult situation.

Natalie

Excellent…. First class from start to finish. Initial interaction was with Dawn Cleveland. Great first impressions of the company, understood my position and initially under a tight schedule my end but was not a problem. Kate was brilliant. Great communication, which is so important. Great advice, great outcome for myself. Attention to detail and explaining everything in ‘simple terms!’ was really helpful. Thank you Kate and Dawn!

Jamie

We have greatly appreciated your advice, guidance and input along with the sensitive way in which you have addressed the circumstances we faced. Thank you again.

Robin

Excellent and thorough service, I have highly recommended Kate Shawcross to other colleagues asking for legal advice.

Hannah

Kate Shawcross has provided excellent, timely and practical employment advice. She has made herself available for advice on discrete and minor points when needed, but has also provided further advice on larger issues when required. That advice has proved to be excellent, concise and easy to digest.

Legal 500 2026

The team at Porter Dodson have been excellent in providing specific advice to my company in connection with employment work. The interactions have been excellent and communications have been seamless with nothing falling between the cracks. Their approach has been sensible, practical and solutions-focused.

Legal 500 2026

Efficient, Kate responded to queries in a timely manner and kept me informed at all stages of the process.

B Rice

Very proficient and professional. Approachable, friendly and made to feel at ease.

Paul

Exceptional service and excellent communication. Very efficient, responded to emails outside office hours to get the job done. Very much noted and appreciated.

H Webb - Business Owner

Kate Shawcross was so thorough in our initial meeting and subsequent contact. She managed to find the perfect solution to the issue in hand!

Michelle

I have found Kate Shawcross to be proficient and very numerate with complex Schedules of Loss.

Legal 500 2025

Responsive, Supportive, Clear, Knowledgeable, Understanding, Act with integrity.

Mr A Fowler

I would like to let you know how much I appreciate yourself for all your help with the situation I was in. I can not thank you enough! I will also be recommending you and Porter Dodson to my friends as a very high standards solicitors.

Anon

Both Dawn and Kate were exceptional to deal with. Very calm and reassuring which was a great comfort to me. I couldn't fault anything they did and was very pleased with the support they showed me.

Employment client

My initial call was quickly routed to an appropriate solicitor, who quickly understood my needs and urgency. What to me was a confusing legal issue was calmly and clearly explained, so I had clarity on actions needed, and relevant dates. I was given the support and advice I needed throughout the process and all communication was professional, friendly, on time and easy to understand. I felt secure, well looked after and trusted Kate every step of the way. Kate has done an exemplary job and was a pleasure to deal with and I would highly recommend Kate and the Porter Dodson team to anyone in need of legal assistance. The administrative element of registering as a client was deftly handled by Dawn, with an easy to follow and complete process.

J James

You've been a real support and voice of reason, in a matter I've found confusing and upsetting at times - your calm and clear approach has been much appreciated.

Employment Client

Second occasion I have used Porter Dodson and on both, the team have been efficient and importantly address questions promptly.

Mr M Cairns