Rachel is a Criminal Defence Solicitor and Director here at Slater Heelis, and she is based at our Manchester office. She has specialised in private crime and regulatory cases and has advised individuals, director and corporations under investigation from the GMC, The Environment Agency, The General Pharmaceutical Council, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and local councils.
Prior to that Rachel was Solicitor and Director at Freeman & Co where she spent 10 years dealing with high profile, high net worth and celebrity clients. She has acted for doctors, lawyers, accountants, business owners and celebrities and sports stars. Rachel understands the impact that criminal and regulatory proceedings can have upon individuals and corporations and always goes the extra mile for her clients.
Clients often come to Rachel by recommendation. She prides herself on giving straightforward, robust advice and is also a Law Society mentor under the Reignite Mentoring Programme which supports individuals seeking to return to or progress in their careers in law. She is also a mentor for students at Salford University as part of the Future Females programme, and is a key contact for the LGBT Foundation.
Rachel graduated from York University with a BA Honours in Politics and completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Rachel has recently been appointed Head of Education for Women in Criminal Law’s sub-committee in Manchester.
Rachel was appointed to our Board of Directors in 2023.
Road Traffic Offences
Rachel has experience in all motoring offences including speeding, failing to furnish, drink driving, careless, inconsiderate, dangerous driving and serious cases involving death or serious injury.
Private Client Criminal Offences
Rachel has particular expertise in representing private clients in criminal and regulatory matters including advising and assisting at the Police Station, Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. She has dealt with all types of criminal cases including Murder, serious assaults and sexual assaults/rape, indecent image cases, fraud, theft and dishonesty offences, conspiracy to supply Class A/B/C drugs, dangerous dog cases, offences involving weapons and youth crime.
Significant Cases
Over the years, Rachel has represented some very high profile and significant cases
- R v H Chester Crown Court 2019.
Perverting the Course of Justice.
Result: Suspended sentence and driving disqualification.
- R v B Stockport Magistrates Court 2020.
Allegation of common assault.
Result: Case discontinued following written representations.
- U v HM Revenue and Customs.
Result: Notice of Requirement withdrawn.
- R v P Liverpool Crown Court 2020.
Three allegations of sexual assault.
Result: Not guilty to all charges.
- R v W Birkenhead Magistrates Court 2020.
Failing to furnish driver details.
Result: Not guilty.
- R v D Manchester Magistrates Court 2020.
Totting up disqualification.
Successfully presented an exceptional hardship argument based on the clients child’s commitments.
Result: Disqualification reduced from 6 months to 6 weeks.
- R v L Dudley Magistrates Court Drink Driving
113 in breath.
Result: Suspended Sentence.
- R v D Manchester Magistrates Court Crown Failing to comply with Notice of Requirement in the sum of approximately £80,000.
Result: Fine – £100, Compensation, £1,500, No victim surcharge and no costs
- R v BH Oxford Crown Court – Theft from a nightclub by serving Army Sergeants
Result: Not guilty
- R v W – Cardiff Crown Court – rape by serving Army Corporal
Result: Not guilty
- R v L – sexual assault in nightclub x 3
Result: Not guilty
- R v O Manchester Magistrates Court 2020.
Failure to provide a sample of breath following serious collision whilst carrying passengers.
Result: Fine and driving ban
- R v M Manchester Crown Court 2020
Indecent Assault
Result: Not Guilty
- R v R Manchester Magistrates Court 2021
Section 39 Assault
Result: Not Guilty