Principal Lawyer and Head of Operations - Abuse Law, Human Rights and Public Inquiries
It’s a huge privilege to represent victims and survivors of abuse and other appalling crimes and my biggest inspiration is the determination and bravery of my clients to secure justice and redress.
Get to know Kim
I have over 17 years’ experience in personal injury law, having qualified as a solicitor in 2005.
Although my background lies within all types of personal injury cases, I have for many years specialised in two areas: representing victims and survivors of abuse and assault, both recent and non-recent, adults and children, and also acting in public inquiries. Some of my cases can also involve complex human rights issues and I am also a human rights specialist as well as acting for families at inquests and associated Human Rights Act claims. My specialist Public Inquiry work includes representing clients at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
My civil work involves representing victims and survivors of abuse against organisations such as the Catholic and Anglican Church, Scouts, schools, hospitals, sporting organisations and clubs, taxi firms, the Ministry of Defence and social services. This includes the highly complex and specialist ‘failure to protect’ claims acting for clients against the local authority in cases where it is alleged clients should have been taken into care earlier than they in fact were, and as a result have suffered additional and unnecessary abuse, violence and neglect in the familial home, or clients who have been abused in the care system.
From our first meeting, Kim Harrison was absolutely brilliant. I was a broken man, but with help from counselling and Kim's professional attitude, it made my journey easier than expected.
Client testimonial (for Kim Harrison)
The trial itself has given me a new lease of life - I feel stronger and like a weight has been lifted that it’s all over now and I can move on! Knowing I faced him and this has been better than any counselling I have received. I will be forever grateful.
Client testimonial (for Kim Harrison)
Thank you so much for everything and more you have done for me and going on this not so pleasant journey with me. The only good thing about it all was I had the absolute pleasure of working with such an incredible team of amazing people. Thank you doesn’t even come close or say enough for what you have done and for helping me put a line under and finally get closure to this. That in itself has changed my life.
Client testimonial (for Kim Harrison)
Career highlights
IICSA has been a particular career highlight as I have had the privilege of representing and advocating for a changes in the law to assist victims and survivors of abuse.
I have been successful in a groundbreaking case against the MOD where a client recovered damages for breach of his human rights following a serious sexual assault by Libyan trainee soldiers who were at MOD barracks training and escaped seriously sexually assaulting a number of victims.
I have represented a large number of football abuse survivors in civil cases against a number of football clubs including Crew Alexandra FC, Stoke City FC and through the MCFC survivors redress scheme. This includes representing victims of the football coach, Barry Bennell.
I have also represented the victims of Max Clifford in civil claims against him/his estate.
I represented a family in an Article 2 Inquest arising out of the brutal murder of their father by a man released on life licence. The Inquest discussed the role of the parole board in the supervision and monitoring of the offender prior to the death and attracted significant media interest.
I’ve also been recognised in the independent legal guide, the Legal 500 for the past several years. In the most recent addition I was recognised as a 'Leading Individuals' by the publication.
Previous editions have stated: “Kim Harrison is incredibly committed to her clients and fights tirelessly in their corner.” and “Kim Harrison is a national leader in claims against public authorities. She is hugely compassionate and enables clients to feel at ease.”
Under the category of Civil Liberties and Human Rights it states: “Kim Harrison, the team is also experienced in undertaking claims against public authorities and is particularly skilled in acting for victims of abuse.”
The 2023 edition of the independent guide, Chambers and Partners has ranked me as a band 2 lawyer and states: "Kim Harrison is extremely knowledgeable on the civil claims side of things and I know we could not be in better hands."
As an expert on abuse law, human rights and inquiry and inquest work, I'm frequently asked to speak on legal issues and has given many interviews to the local and national media. I’ve appeared on BBC Breakfast, Channel 4, The Daily Politics Show, Radio 4 and Newsnight, and a number of my cases have also appeared in the local and national press, .
If you have been a victim of sexual or physical abuse, we understand how incredibly hard it is to talk about. When you’re ready, our abuse solicitors will listen and advise you throughout your compensation claim. Our team will work with you in complete confidentiality.
Sexual abuse and sexual assault can cause lasting trauma to sufferers. This guide to abuse and assault is intended to provide useful information to sufferers and their families.
Confidentiality and anonymity are always of paramount importance in abuse cases. Below we discuss the steps we undertake to ensure this is looked after.
Have you suffered abuse by the Church of England? We can help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact our specialist lawyers in religious abuse claims in confidence.
