Rachel joined Goodman Ray in August 2020; she specialises in public law (care) proceedings. Rachel qualified in 1992 and has over 30 years of experience in proceedings concerning children.   Rachel is accredited by the Law Society’s Children Panel and represents children through their Guardians, in addition frequently representing young people where separate representation has been necessary. Rachel is also instructed by private law Guardians appointed pursuant to 16.4. Rachel is regularly instructed to represent parties lacking capacity by the Official Solicitor.

Rachel also represents parents in care proceedings having experience of the wide range of issues including non-accidental injury; sexual abuse; domestic violence; parental mental health issues; drug misuse and factitious illness.

Recently Rachel represented five children in long running care proceedings involving the death of a sibling and within which proceedings there were a total of three Fact Finding hearings following two successful appeals.

As well as being a Children Panel member Rachel is accredited as a member of the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law Panel. She is also a member of the Association of Lawyers for Children.

SIGNIFICANT REPORTED CASES

• A (No. 2) (Children: Findings of Fact) [2019] EWCA Civ 1947
• Re B (Children: Uncertain Perpetrator) [2019] EWCA Civ 575
• LB Camden v Caratt & Ors [2013] EWHC 2336 (Fam)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

• Law Society Children Panel
• Family Law (Advanced)