Background Rachael is an experienced junior who has built up a solid background in both Public and Private Law.
Rachael joined Garden Court in February 2002 after having completed pupillage at 14 Gray's Inn Square. During her first six she assisted leading counsel in the case of Re W and B [2001] 2 FLR 582 , at first instance and Appeal stages. In her second six Rachael went on to gain further experience of Public Law proceedings acting as straw junior to Ian Peddie QC in a complex High Court case linked to criminal proceedings at the Old Bailey. She is passionate about family law and is committed to offering the highest standards of client care, believing in an approachable manner and clear communication. Areas of WorkRachael is regularly instructed at all levels of court within the Family Division. She continues to build a successful practice in family law the focus of which is Public Law care proceedings and Private Law. Rachael also accepts Ancillary Relief cases both privately and publicly funded.
Public law (65%)Rachael acts for Local Authorities, parents, relatives and children with party status via the Guardian.
Cases have begun to take on considerable complexity, regularly involving medical evidence, allegations of sexual and physical abuse, mental health and learning difficulties, drug addiction and self injuring behaviour, factitious illness by proxy, contested adoption, Placement Orders, Special Guardianship Orders. Rachael has experience of acting through the Official Solicitor for parents and children who have lacked the capacity to instruct. Rachael has also had experience of PII cases regarding the disclosure of Social Services Records in criminal proceedings. Private law (30%)Rachael has a wide range of experience in Private Law dealing with a broad range of issues and clients. In particular she has skill with parents with mental health issues who require consistency and for whom proceedings are incredibly stressful. She is able to give firm and realistic advice whilst extending a supportive demeanor which clients find reassuring. The most complex High Court case to date included significant mental health issues and concurrent Children Act Public Law, civil and criminal proceedings. Rachael has experience in cases requiring independent representation of children, residence and leave to remove from the jurisdiction, maintenance disputes, abduction. She is particularly interested in matters requiring sensitivity to mental health, diverse cultural and religious expectations. Rachael has a depth of experience in Domestic Violence Injunctions and Committals including complex fact finding hearings acting for both sides.
Rachael has built up a successful privately paying clientele for whom a clear analysis of the issues and succinct and strong advice avoids unnecessary costs. However she is quite capable of taking a case to trial when necessary. Ancillary Relief (5%)Both public and privately funded work.
Rachael has undertaken numerous Ancillary Relief cases advising in writing, conferences and conducting hearings at all stages of the case including maintenance pending suit applications. SocietiesRachael is a member of the Family Law Bar Association, Child Concern, Bar PRO BONO Unit, Association of Women Barristers and ILPA.
Other Activities/Interests
Rachael previously taught in Japan. She is keen to remain involved in education and training and judges moots and debates of Gray's Inn.
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