Katherine Eaton is the partner and head of the residential property department here at Punch Robson and has been at the company since 2002, when she joined as a trainee solicitor.
Since qualifying in 2004, she has specialised in residential conveyancing with her experience including the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold properties, equity release and general re-mortgages.
Her experience in the department led to her promotion to associate solicitor in 2008 and then to her current role of partner in 2014.
So, let’s get to know Katherine a little bit better. 
What attracted you to a career in the legal profession?
I have no idea! According to my mother, I have wanted to pursue a career in law from my very early years, no doubt influenced by some glamourous and wildly inaccurate TV shows and characters from books that I have read over the years.
By the time I reached adulthood, I was less decided on the matter. I knew by then that the reality of the career was probably very different and I wasn’t sure what my calling would be. I therefore ventured into an English degree as a result of one of my passions – literature. I couldn’t forget about law, however, and eventually decided to give it a go.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Becoming a partner and part of the management team because it means I am now part of shaping the firm’s future success.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Punch Robson?
I enjoy the challenge of problem solving and the constant development and learning that my role requires.
I am always happy to be learning something new and expanding my knowledge and skills. I am also a people person and it is a real pleasure to be able to make a difference to someone else and to help them face their challenges.
My best days are when an old client calls me up to tell me they need my help again. It is so much more rewarding to be of service to clients when you can develop a long lasting relationship and are able to help them at each new phase of their lives.
Do you live in the Tees Valley?
I technically live in North Yorkshire, but literally just over the border. I live in Great Ayton now, but I also lived in Ripon and in York for a few years, largely while I was studying.
Do you attend any networking clubs in the Tees Valley?
I attend events with Young Guns and Tees Valley Business Club predominantly, but you are unlikely to see me at a breakfast club or similar.
I’m notorious in the office for not being much of a morning person – and although I get up reasonably early I’m probably only fit for canine companionship for a couple of hours after waking. I’m definitely a night owl.
What do you like most about the Tees Valley?
It’s a friendly place to work and play but it is more than that. It has a lot to offer, no matter whether you are just visiting, studying, setting up a business or making it your home.
It has beautiful countryside and a picturesque coastline which means some parts of it retain a lot of the charm and character of days gone by, and so you could easily while away time without your mobile phone and just enjoy the peace of a nice walk or catch a few waves on a surf board.
Yet the area is also filled with new opportunities and experiences and it is getting better all the time. Our businesses and people are still at the forefront of modern advances in engineering, industry and digital technology for instance, which means it is constantly growing commercially and economically.
