Mrs Kate Blank

I am a Rutland girl, my parents having moved to Preston in 1969. I went to Oakham School, then studied Law with French LLB Hons  at the University of Birmingham and gained my Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Leicester. I practised as a solicitor for all my working life, mostly at firms in Birmingham and Leicester. I specialised in corporate and business law for private companies, businesses and individuals.

The role of the Under Sheriff is to support, guide and deputise for the High Sheriff. The role is traditionally filled by a solicitor, as the High Sheriff was previously responsible for law and order in their county. This included executing writs of possession where a plaintiff had obtained judgement and subsequently was able to seize assets situated in the county  to satisfy that judgement. A High Sheriff  would often need advice from a lawyer to do this. Although this role has passed to the court bailiffs, there is still an element of legal support needed for the High Sheriff. I am very honoured to have been asked each year since 2010 to be the Under Sheriff, as the High Sheriff makes their own appointment every year.

I live in Rutland, am married to a very patient Michael, and my children who keep me fit are a springer spaniel and a labrador !