Profile

PROFILE
Rachael accepts instructions on all areas of family law.
Rachael regularly appears in Children Act proceedings in both the Family Proceedings Court and County Court. Her public law practice has focused on representation of parents and grandparents at all stages of care proceedings including first appointments, reviews, findings of fact, applications for emergency protection orders, interim contested hearings and fi nal hearings. She is keen to develop her practice to include representation of local authorities and children. Th e cases she has been involved in have raised issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug abuse, neglect and non-accidental injury.

In private law matters Rachael has experience of residence and contact applications particularly where there are elements of domestic violence or welfare concerns. She has also acted in prohibited steps and specific issue applications, including removal from the jurisdiction and change of name applications.

Rachael also has an interest in financial disputes upon relationship breakdown. She has advised in ancillary relief applications, as well as appearing at fi rst appointments, FDRs and final hearings. She has also acted in TOLATA disputes and claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 and can advise and draft pleadings in these areas.

In terms of Family law Act 1996 applications, Rachael has experience of both nonmolestation and occupation order applications. She has represented clients in ex parte applications as well as final hearings. From her civil litigation knowledge Rachael has developed a good understanding of enforcement proceedings following on from ancillary relief orders and has acted and advised in charging order and attachment of earnings applications. She has also advised on enforcing foreign orders within the UK. Rachael has acted for fathers where enforcement applications have been brought by the Child Support Agency.

Within Children Act proceedings, she has experience of enforcement of contact orders under the Children Act, as well as committal proceedings.

Rachael prides herself on thorough preparation and ensuring a full understanding of the factual and legal issues involved. She has been noted to have good client care skills, particularly with anxious or vulnerable clients.
In addition to the above, Rachael has experience in personal injury work, acting for both Claimants and Defendants. She has advised on liability and quantum and appeared at interim hearings, disposal hearings, small
claims hearings and fast track trials. She has also represented both Claimants and Respondents at employment law tribunals including unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.

Prior to joining 9 St John Street, Rachael was a member of Kenworthy’s Chambers. She has previously presented CPD accredited training to Solicitors, which is something she is keen to continue.