Crime

Rachel is an experienced Criminal practitioner who accepts instructions for both Prosecution and Defence in the Crown Court, Magistrates Court and Youth Court.

Rachel believes that empathy is one of the key factors in supporting clients from the outset as well as being generous with her time. Because of her empathetic and compassionate approach, she is often instructed to represent vulnerable clients and she prides herself on her ability to connect with her clients and build a genuine rapport with them. She has acted in a wide variety of cases including serious violence, domestic abuse, fraud, robbery, and multi-handed cases of conspiracy to commit commercial burglary and conspiracy to possess firearms. She prides herself on being a robust advocate and giving clear and concise advice in simple terms.

Prior to joining Chambers, Rachel was a Crown Prosecution Service in-house advocate. She also has experience reviewing, managing, and charging Crown Court cases from assault, fraud, county lines drug cases to murder and manslaughter. She was a hate crime specialist and provided training on the law to both local Police Forces and local Community groups. Rachel believes her experience as at the CPS gives her invaluable insight and assists both her prosecution and defence practice immensely.

A vulnerable client said:
“Rachel has been one of the best barristers I’ve ever come across, the dedication she has put into my case is beyond words. She’s very professional, takes her time to understand you as a person, is dedicated to your needs and helps as much as possible when needed. She is very positive and friendly, easy to communicate with and makes the situation a lot calmer. She goes above and beyond and I’m very grateful and honoured to have her stand for me.” – Defence client

A local solicitor said:
“Rachel builds a good rapport with clients and gives them the time they need to ensure they fully understand the case and be able to ask questions. Many of my clients have praised her for manner and approach and many have re-requested her. She communicates with me effectively and she is always available to discuss a case, as well as being prompt with her paperwork. I regularly instruct Rachel as I feel that we work well as a Defence team from the outset of a case. She is a safe pair of hands and is proactive with dealing with cases and tackling any issues she foresees and will propose solutions.” – Moses Tawo, Defence Solicitor

Regulatory and Local Government

Rachel covers all areas of Regulatory work.

She has recently been instructed to prosecute fraud matters on behalf of a Local Authority. She also has an interest in police misconduct and is keen to expand her practice in this area.

Other interests

Prior to qualification Rachel was a qualified tax advisor at a Big Four Professional Services firm, specialising in employment tax. She has advised large companies on their tax affairs across the spectrum of employment tax matters including but not limited to Income Tax, NIC and PAYE, employment status and National Minimum Wage.

Rachel has been appointed the Independent Chair for Dorset Police’s Scrutiny Panel for Stop and Search and Use of Force. The panel will hold the police to account and monitor the use of police powers, particularly addressing disproportionality amongst minority and marginalised groups. Rachel also sits on Dorset Police’s Use of Police Powers Board and Legitimacy Board.

Outside of work and her volunteering Rachel enjoys kickboxing.