“Rachel’s court room advocacy was very sound and her interactions with the bench were always entirely appropriate”, Deputy Master
“She demonstrated a notably strong intellectual aptitude combined with sound judgment”, Deputy Master
“In my experience Rachel grasps complicated issues quickly and has, on several occasions, conducted legal research quickly and competently in my view,” Solicitor
“My opinion is that Rachel appears commercially minded, get to the nub of issues quickly, and considers both legal and practical issues when providing advice,” Solicitor
“Her drafting is clear, easy to understand and very thorough,” Solicitor
“Rachel has always provided me with clear advice, and most important issues, personable and easy to talk to. She is helpful and gets on your level when discussing legal advice and issues. There has never been any arrogance or brow beating,” Solicitor
“She is a good advocate. I have witnessed her address the Court in a matter I instructed her on. In spite of the complexity of the case, she was able to concisely and persuasively present the case before the Judge. It was no wonder we won. She was clear, efficient, and well-organised,” Solicitor
“I have witnessed her being able to strip away less important issues in a case which has often helped matters to settle. This I have seen at number of successful mediations where her analytical thinking has been the key factor in the settlement. For example, in a case concerning the removal of silt from a private lake that involved a large quantities of documents,” Legal Executive
“Rachel displays an excellent ability to communicate with my clients who come from differing backgrounds. My clients often comment on how approachable she and that they feel very comfortable communicating with her. With some Counsel, client feel rather nervous and daunted when explaining their case, but not with Rachel,” Legal Executive
“I have instructed Rachel on various matters – such as: hearings, trials, drafting pleadings or providing advice etc – and the standard of work that Rachel provides is always excellent. Furthermore, Rachel has a remarkable ability of being able to turnaround work with tight time constraints. In my opinion, Rachel is an exemplary barrister, and, in turn, an outstanding ambassador of the Bar. I believe that this is not only due to her legal expertise and knowledge, but also because of Rachel’s drive and commitment to her profession,” In House Solicitor for a Local Authority
Beyond the Bar
Rachel is involved in the reverse judicial mentoring scheme and provided advocacy training through ‘Bridging the Bar’. She regularly judges the George Hinde Moot at QMUL and has previously volunteered at QMUL Legal Advice Centre as a Legal Supervisor of Students in the pro bono clinic. Rachel has also been a pro bono researcher with Community Links, SEN assistant for and with undergraduate students, and volunteered at an orphanage in Bethlehem and at a kindergarten school in Mumbai.
In addition to writing books for Law Brief Publishing and articles for New Law Journal, LEASE, Flat Living and Local Government Lawyer, Rachel delivers webinars, seminars and podcasts for MBL Seminars, DG Legal, FOR Media Group, Kennedy Cater and A View from the Bar with Philip Ingram MBE.
Rachel is a NISA Level 8 qualified figure skater. She previously played football for Calthorpe Project FC. She enjoys skiing and mountain biking. She enjoys archaeology (reading and digging), playing her guitar, especially Jazz and Blues, singing (having also appeared in Songs of Praise) and oil painting (one piece featuring in various exhibitions for in 2007). She is also a mother to two active girls and a governor at her local primary school.
Education
RICS Foundation Course in ADR and Conflict Avoidance December 2022-March 2023
Vulnerable Witness Training September 2018/2019
Direct Access Qualification July 2017
Inner Temple Award (International Legal Ethics Conference) July 2014
Mayor Award May 2013
Manchester Metropolitan University September 2012-June 2013 Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)
The College of William & Mary (WM) Williamsburg, VA (USA) (Draper Scholar) LLM American Legal Studies, GPA 4.2 August 2011-May 2012
The Drapers’ Company Scholarship funding an LLM in the USA 2011-2012
Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) September 2008-June 2011 Law – First Class with Honours (LL.B) Hons
Queen Mary, University of London, Law School Bursary Winner September 2008-June 2011
Aquinas College, Top Ten Theology A-Level June 2008
Aquinas College Von Hugel Institute Funding for Leadership Conference June 2008
Aquinas College (Sixth Form) September 2006-June 2008
Harrytown Catholic High School September 2001-June 2006
Memberships
Property Bar Association
Agricultural Law Association
Chancery Bar Association
ComBar
ALBA
South-Eastern Circuit
Association of Women Barristers
Her Bar
St Thomas More Society
Publications
‘A Practical Guide to Common Land and Village Greens’, Law Brief Publishing, expected Summer 2023;
‘A Practical Guide to Treasure Trove’, Law Brief Publishing, expected Winter 2023/Spring 2024;
‘A Practical Guide to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)’, Law Brief Publishing, 2022;
‘Unlocking the Crypt: Insolvency & Cryptocurrency’, New Law Journal, July 2022;
‘A Practical Guide to Hoarding and Mental Health for Housing Lawyers,’ Law Brief Publishing, 2020;
‘Shared Ownership: Leases of Flats and Right to Manage,’ LEASE website and Flat Living, July 2018;
‘Goodbye Grayling’s Employment Tribunal Fees,’ Local Government Lawyer, 10 August 2017;
‘Benefit cap and lone parents with children under two,’ Local Government Lawyer, 3 August 2017;
‘Right to Manage: A Brief Overview.’ featured on Lexology and LEASE, 19 October 2016.