July 2017 Trinity Term
Prior to joining Chambers, Rachel was at the Employed Bar working as In-House Counsel at a solicitor’s firm practising predominantly in criminal law. Before undertaking pupillage Rachel was a County Court Advocate, representing clients in a range of civil matters in the County Court.
Rachel has developed a busy criminal practice prosecuting and defending in both the Crown Court and Magistrates Court. Rachel prosecutes (Grade 2 level) and defends in all manner of cases including those involving violence, drugs, firearms, dishonesty and sexual offences.
Rachel regularly accepts instructions to represent clients in the Crown Court including in trials, appeals, and sentence hearings. Rachel has successfully secured acquittals for clients charged with offences including GBH, Armed Robbery and Affray.
Rachel has experience of dealing with vulnerable witnesses and is regularly instructed in cases involving domestic violence and coercive and controlling behaviour. Rachel is accustomed to dealing with vulnerable clients including clients with complex mental health problems and has been instructed in cases involving fitness to plead issues.
Rachel is known for her down to earth manner and ability to put clients at ease. She is well regarded as a confident advocate with maturity beyond her year of call.
Rachel accepts instructions to represent prisoners at Parole Board Hearings including recalled prisoners, those serving determinate sentences, and prisoners serving life sentences. Rachel also has experience of representing clients serving sentences of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) before the parole board.
Rachel is instructed to represent clients in small claims and fast track trials. She receives instructions for cases involving road traffic collisions, personal injury and contractual disputes.
Rachel has experience of and accepts instructions in application in the High Court for guardianship of the affairs of missing persons under the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017.
Rachel also has experience of appearing in infant approval hearings, insolvency matters, mortgage and rent possessions, applications to set aside judgment, and other interlocutory hearings.
