Rachael Heppenstall
Scholarships and Prizes:
Middle Temple Winston Churchill Prize 1997
Associations:
Family Law Bar Association,
Child Concern
Education:
BSc (Hons) Law & German, University of Surrey
APPOINTMENTS
Recorder (2015)
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Rachael completed a specialist family pupillage and practiced on the North Eastern Circuit until joining 9 St John Street in December 2000. A care and adoption specialist, she focuses on cases involving non-accidental injury and significant abuse.
She acts for local authorities, parents/interveners (in particular vulnerable adults, including those with significant learning difficulties and mental health issues), children (including those who are able to give their instructions directly rather than via a children’s guardian), and the Official Solicitor.
Rachael has appeared at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal. She has considerable experience in cases involving serious non-accidental injury and complex medical evidence (including shaken baby), sexual assault, factitious illness disorder, and immigration/jurisdictional issues.
In private law proceedings Rachael acts for local authorities, parents and special guardians in applications for special guardianship orders.
She is also instructed on behalf of Police Authorities/Local Authorities and NHS Trusts in disclosure and public interest immunity applications in both the family and criminal jurisdictions.
Rachael is regularly involved in advising in cases pre-proceedings and takes a hands-on approach to the conduct of cases throughout the life of the court proceedings.
Rachael has been and continues to be involved in accredited training for Solicitors and Local Authorities.
NOTABLE CASES
Greater Manchester Chief Constable v KI & Anor (Children) & Ors [2007] EWHC 1837 (Fam)
Re K (Children: Care and Placement) [2015] EWFC B117
QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
External Examiner - Bar Standards Board – 2013
Middle Temple Winston Churchill Scholarship 1996
BSc (Hons) Law and German - 1996
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Family Law Bar Association
Child Concern
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For further information please contact the Civil & Family Clerk, Peadar McKinstry on 0161 955 5104.
Family and Children Law: Leading Junior Band 3
"Provides clear advice to clients and presents a robust case in court."
Legal 500 2020
Family/Matrimonial (Northern Bar) Band 3
"She is an extremely competent barrister, and is a very calm and safe pair hands."
"She is fantastic: very experienced, confident, flexible and calming around clients. She is also good at solving complex legal problems."
Chambers and Partners 2020
Family and children law – ranked Tier 1
“Recommended for cases involving non-accidental injuries.”
Legal 500 2019
Family/Matrimonial – Northern (Bar): Leading Barrister (Band 3)
"She has a very good way with clients."
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2019
"A very capable and knowledgeable advocate."
Chambers and Partners 2018
'Experienced in cases of non-accidental injury and serious abuse.'
Legal 500, 2017
“Specialises in matters regarding childcare, and also has a solid reputation for her skill in handling claims of factitious illness and physical and sexual assault”
Chambers and Partners 2017
‘A specialist in care and adoption proceedings.’
Legal 500, 2016
"Has a solid reputation in all areas of public and private childcare work, with specific experience in adoption matters, factitious illness, serious injury and sexual abuse. Acts for interveners, local authorities, parents and children. 'She is approachable, formidable when necessary, realistic with the client's expectations and sensitive to their situation.' 'She has a good rapport with the clients.'"
Chambers and Partners 2016
"She is thoroughly reliable and very sympathetic in care proceedings. Very down to earth."
Chambers & Partners 2015
"A care specialist who is well regarded by local authorities and solicitors alike."
Legal 500 2014
"recommended"
Legal 500 2012
"Excellent in cases involving children and vulnerable clients"
Legal 500, 2010 & 2011
"Is hands on and very good with vulnerable clients"
Legal 500 2008
Rachael Heppenstall "Is a very experienced and respected children law practioner"
Legal 500, 2007
Rachael Heppenstall "Has an excellent way with clients' and has developed her children practice well"
Legal 500 2006
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