Rachel first joined the firm in 2001 and has worked in the Dispute Resolution Department for over 15 years. Rachel has advised on a wide range of civil disputes, but specialises in those arising from Wills, trusts, and estate administration, including disputes in the Court of Protection concerning Powers of attorney, deputyship and related matters.
Qualifications and professional memberships
- Law degree, Southampton University, graduated 1988
- LPC graduated 1995
- Admitted as a solicitor in July 1997
- In 2018, was cited in the Legal 500 as a solicitor recommended for her expertise in Wills, trust and estate disputes
Experience and expertise
- Over 25 years working in dispute resolution including contract and property disputes, company commercial disputes, maritime disputes, more recently specialising in disputes concerning Wills, trusts and estates, and disputed matters in the Court of Protection concerning the affairs of people who lack capacity
- Advocacy
- Disputes concerning Wills include claims for rectification of poorly drafted Wills and claims challenging the validity of Wills
- Making and responding to Larke -v- Nugus requests for Will information
- Making and resisting claims for financial provision for disappointed beneficiaries under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975
- Claims in relation to disputes between Executors/Trustees and beneficiaries or disputes between Trustees/Executors
- Representing clients involved in claims relating to Powers of Attorney and Deputyships including acting for the Official Solicitor in the Court of Protection in relation to both financial and health and welfare decisions relating to parties lacking capacity
- Wide experience of representing clients in various courts and tribunals including specialist courts and supporting them throughout that litigation
- Negotiating settlements
- Departmental supervisor
