Kate West is Senior Toxicology Reporting Scientist at AlphaBiolabs. Kate joined AlphaBiolabs in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience from a background in forensic science. Her main responsibilities include writing Statement of Witness and Certificate of Analysis reports for legally-instructed drug and alcohol tests, and mentoring and training other members of the Toxicology Reporting team. Kate holds an MSc in Forensic Toxicology by Research and a BSc with Honours in Biomedical Science and is frequently called upon to give evidence in court, reporting on complex child cases. Website: https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
Kate West discusses how best to interpret a drug test report, and the common misconceptions about what can be learnt from a drug test
The Bar Council is ready to support a turn to the efficiencies that will make a difference
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
An interview with Rob Wagg, CEO of New Park Court Chambers
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Ever wondered what a pupillage is like at the CPS? This Q and A provides an insight into the training, experience and next steps
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
Ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC continues his series explaining the impact on barristers. In part 2, a worked example shows the specific practicalities of adapting to the new system
Resolution of the criminal justice crisis does not lie in reheating old ideas that have been roundly rejected before, say Ed Vickers KC, Faras Baloch and Katie Bacon
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
