Partner
Rachael trained in London and spent her early career working in a legal aid practice in the city, choosing then to specialise in Housing and Clinical Negligence. Rachael has speclialised in Clinical Negligence since 1995 and she joined Walker Smith Way in 2004.
Rachael has specific expertise in knee and spinal problems and has dealt with a number of amputee cases. She now has particular expertise in amputee cases, having become an above knee amputee herself in 2008. She also has a particular interest in cerebral palsy, birth trauma, psychiatric claims (not including mental health review tribunals) and gynaecology.
Rachael is a Senior Litigator member of APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers), a member of the Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) Referral Panel of Clinical Negligence Solicitors and of the Law Society Specialist Panel of Clinical Negligence Solicitors. She is also a member of the Disability Consulting Group for Wales which promotes employment opportunities for people with disabilities and a Deputy District Judge of the Tribunals Service.Why did you choose to specialise in Clinical Negligence?
Personal experience of being misdiagnosed and of medical treatment going wrong has given me a particular insight into this area of law. I have also suffered from a disability since the age of 15 when I suffered a knee injury when playing hockey and am now an above knee amputee.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Taking a case to the House of Lords, which is now going to Europe. Also getting judgment in a cerebral palsy case at the end of 2000 for nearly £5 million which was the second highest figure ever awarded at the time.
What do you feel most passionate about within your working life?
Making a difference to people's lives. Although money often cannot change the injury that has happened, it is nice to see it make a difference - when someone gets the house or care package that they need.
What do you feel most passionate about within your home life?
My family and Wales. The children both speak Welsh and my husband and I are learning. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to work in Wales again when I joined Walker Smith Way.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what's the first thing you'd do?
Pay off the mortgage if I won enough. Buy a new trumpet, violin and guitars for my sons and a new car for my husband... so I would have to win a lot!
