Rachel is clerked primarily by Lee Johnson, Clare Sabido, Jennifer Pooler and Emma Bell.

Experience & Expertise

Rachel’s practice spans inquests, inquiries, investigations and professional discipline, often in cases involving multiple parties, parallel proceedings, or significant reputational risk. She is regularly instructed by public bodies including police forces, NHS Trusts, and regulators, as well as by statutory and non-statutory inquiries, to advise or act as Counsel to the Inquest or Inquiry. Her cases frequently involve complex questions of evidential handling, legal privilege, and safeguarding, and she is particularly noted for her work involving vulnerable individuals, institutional failings, and sensitive intelligence.

With a professional background in capital markets and extensive postgraduate research into governance and group dynamics, Rachel brings a strategic and forensic approach to her cases. She is frequently called upon to lead or contribute to rapid reviews and fact-finding investigations for public sector clients, offering analysis and recommendations which span legal, regulatory and policy dimensions. Her unique cross-disciplinary insight is underpinned by senior academic, consultancy and judicial appointments in the UK and internationally.

Inquests & Inquiries

Rachel has a broad and high-profile practice in inquests and public inquiries. She is frequently instructed as Counsel to the Inquest or Inquiry by coroners, judges and statutory bodies, and also represents NHS Trusts, police forces, healthcare professionals and other interested persons. Her work spans some of the most sensitive and legally complex cases in this field, often involving vulnerable witnesses, reputational risk, systemic failings, and parallel criminal or regulatory proceedings. She has particular expertise in managing evidential handling, legal privilege and disclosure, and is known for her confident, strategic approach in high-pressure contexts.

Her healthcare-related work includes inquests involving neonatal deaths, maternal postnatal mortality, psychiatric care, and complex oncology or surgical treatment. She is instructed in cases concerning GP and primary care, nursing and midwifery practice, and failures in multi-disciplinary care. Rachel is adept at navigating Article 2 ECHR issues and systemic failings within health and social care settings. Her recent instructions include acting for the UK Health Security Agency in the Covid Inquiry, advising police forces in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, and being instructed as Counsel to the Inquiry alongside HH Brian Barker CBE KC. She is also regularly appointed to lead or advise on private reviews and thematic inquiries, including board-level misconduct, governance cultures and safeguarding oversight.

Rachel is a trauma-informed advocate with a long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding. Her coronial experience includes acting for NHS Trusts, police forces and prisons in legally and reputationally complex inquests. She also contributes to professional development training through her work with the Judicial College and as a member of the editorial team for the Inquest Law Reports.

Cases & Work of Note

As Counsel to the Inquest or Inquiry:

• Inquest into the death of ML (Bayesian Superyacht Tragedy) – Ongoing
  Counsel to the Coroner in a high-profile inquest following the sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Italy. Seven fatalities, including ML. The case involves international maritime law, operational decision-making, technical failures, and complex accountability issues.
• Covid-19 Public Inquiry – Ongoing
  Junior Counsel to the UK Health Security Agency in the statutory Inquiry chaired by Dame Heather Hallett DBE KC. Advising across operational modules, including national Test & Trace, preparedness and public health governance.
• Inquest touching the death of Steve Dymond – 2024
  Counsel to the Inquest into the death of a participant on ITV’s Jeremy Kyle Show. Coronial investigation examined the factual circumstances of the TV company’s recruitment & policies, participant’s treatment on the show and pastoral care.
• HM Coroner for Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly – 2024
  Advised the Coroner following a Royal College of Surgeons review of historic surgical malpractice culminating in section 13 application to the High Court on behalf of HMSC. Guidance covered deaths warranting referral to police, regulatory investigations, and hospital governance processes.
• Inquest touching the death of MH – 2023
  Article 2 inquest into the death of a recently discharged psychiatric patient. Key issues included post-discharge risk management, inter-agency working, and failures in community psychiatric care.
• Academy Trust Inquiry
  Counsel to a non-statutory inquiry commissioned by the Department for Education into whistle-blower allegations across two Education Trust Boards. Developed Terms of Reference; led urgent document review, witness interviews and produced a comprehensive report addressing governance failings and statutory compliance.
• A Private Inquiry
  Judge led, sensitive, non-statutory rapid investigation concerning breach of fiduciary duties and dissipation of property and assets. Led by HH Brian Barker CBE KC. Acted as sole Counsel to support the inquiry’s terms of reference, extracting disclosure, interviewing witnesses, and conducting thematic analysis to systematically review the allegations and concerns. Assisted the Chair with drafting the findings and recommendations.

Acting for Interested Persons & Statutory Bodies:

• Inquest of Khun Vichae and five others (Leicester City FC Helicopter Crash) – 2025
  Instructed for a helicopter maintenance company in a three-week jury inquest. Examined aviation investigations and legal regulations, mechanical failure, and maintenance protocols in the context of a high-profile fatal crash.
• Inquest touching the death of NH – 2025
  Acted in the inquest following a stepparent’s death by child with complex behavioural history. The case involved multiple statutory agencies, youth justice, police and children’s services over several years.
• Inquest touching the death of Rhiannan Rudd – 2024
  Instructed in an inquest into the suicide of a vulnerable teenager arrested under terrorism legislation. Raised complex issues of safeguarding, radicalisation, and systemic agency failures.
• Inquest touching the death of Phillip Bagwell – 2023
  Article 2 inquest following the murder of a vulnerable man during COVID-19 lockdown. Explored isolation, support service access, and the State’s protective obligations.
• Inquest touching the death of Sophie Williams – 2023
  Instructed in a high-profile case involving the death of a trans woman with complex mental health needs while awaiting Gender Identity Clinic services. The inquest addressed health inequality, discrimination and delayed care.
• Inquest touching the death of Harper Denton – 2022
  Represented an interested person in the inquest into the murder of an eight-week-old baby. Focus on multi-agency safeguarding failings and the systems in place for managing dangerous historic offenders.
• Inquest touching the death of Abraham Badru – 2022
  Represented a party in the inquest into the shooting of a man who had previously given evidence in a gang rape trial. The case focused on long-term witness protection and safeguarding.
• Inquest touching the death of Joseph Agnew – 2022
  Instructed by the Metropolitan Police in an Article 2, jury inquest concerning restraint.
• Inquest touching the death of Andrew Brown – 2022
  Represented the Metropolitan Police in an inquest into a fatal collision during a police pursuit. The Coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report regarding pursuit policy and officer training.
• Inquest touching the death of Jessica Ladkin – 2021
  Represented Essex Police in a case involving a police pursuit. Examined proportionality, command decisions, and road policing procedures.
• Inquest touching the death of LA – 2021
  Represented the Metropolitan Police in a resumed domestic homicide inquest, reopened following Human Rights Act arguments raised by the family.
• Inquest touching the death of Prince F – 2020
  Acted in an inquest concerning a death in immigration detention. Considered historical systemic failures in custodial care and deportation processes.
• Inquest touching the death of CD – 2020
  Represented a nurse practitioner following the suicide of a patient assessed in A&E. The case considered clinical risk judgment and protocols in emergency mental health settings.
• Inquest touching the death of Baby Z – 2020
  Represented a Consultant Obstetrician in a neonatal death inquest. Involved critical review of perinatal care, NHS incident reporting, and causation in a complex labour.
• Inquest touching the death of KM – 2021
  Represented the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police during a high-profile domestic abuse inquest with high profile media interest. Police Officers separately represented following disciplinary proceedings. Multiple interested persons, including other statutory agencies following the death of a teenage girl killed by her partner.

Police

Rachel is regularly instructed by Chief Constables and senior police legal teams in some of the most sensitive and high-profile matters facing modern policing. Her work spans public protection, operational policing, misconduct, disclosure, often involving serious organised crime, covert powers, and complex safeguarding issues. She is particularly sought after in matters where legal, reputational and political risks intersect, offering clear, strategic advice in urgent or high-stakes contexts. Her instructions include acting as Independent Counsel to manage legal professional and parliamentary privilege, leading complex disclosure reviews, and advising on investigatory compliance under PII, RIPA and related frameworks.

She has advised on numerous cases involving domestic abuse policing, fatal pursuits, deaths in custody, and the management of high-risk or released offenders. Her expertise extends to Article 2, Article 3 and Article 8 investigations and the interface between criminal, regulatory and inquest proceedings. Rachel’s ability to manage sensitive witness evidence, closed material procedures and public interest disclosure has seen her retained by forces nationwide, including in politically sensitive matters involving elected officials, national media interest, and scrutiny by ministers or oversight bodies.

Rachel is known for providing practical, legally robust guidance to Chief Officers, often in time-critical scenarios. She regularly advises on vetting and officer conduct in inquiry contexts, and on strategic legal considerations surrounding operational policy and public safety. Her experience is complemented by a longstanding commitment to safeguarding, equality and trauma-informed practice.

Cases & Work of Note

Public Protection, Safeguarding & Operational Policing:

• TBG v A Chief Constable
  Represented the Chief Constable in a case involving the planned release of a convicted child murderer. Successfully argued for a novel SHPO; the case is now a leading authority on anonymity, risk management, and civil orders.
• Parole Board Review of John Cannan
  Advised two Chief Constables on disclosure strategy regarding a high-risk prisoner. Complex submission of open and closed material involving witness risk and PII.
• R v AB
  Advised Merseyside Police on notification obligations post-conviction where the offender was unfit to plead. Secured a tailored legal framework to safeguard the public.
• Confidential domestic abuse investigation
  Advised a Chief Constable on investigatory strategy in a domestic abuse case involving RIPA powers, threats to life and real-time operational decision-making.

Independent Counsel: Privilege, Disclosure & Seizure Reviews

• Operation CM
  Reviewed privileged and parliamentary material in a high-value fraud case involving political figures. Led on-site legal oversight of searches and trained the investigating team to safeguard common law rights of suspects.
• Operation W
  Examined seized digital materials from a solicitor’s premises for LPP content. Protected third-party privilege and managed sensitive regulatory material.
• Operation WH
  Reviewed legal correspondence in a global organised crime case involving a murder conspiracy. Reported to the Crown Court and defence under tight deadlines.
• Operation E (an MP)
  Advised in a high-profile criminal investigation into an MP and their spouse. Oversaw lawful handling of LPP and parliamentary privilege during seizure and review.

Rachel is also regularly instructed to provide strategic advice to Chief Constables and legal departments on:

• Public interest immunity and disclosure strategy
• Legal handling of covert powers and sensitive evidence
• Interface between criminal investigations, professional misconduct, and inquests/inquiries
• Managing legal and reputational risk in the context of ministerial scrutiny or media pressure

Data & Information Rights

Rachel advises on complex matters involving the Freedom of Information Act and the General Data Protection Regulation, particularly where sensitive data intersects with legal, reputational or operational risk. She has acted for NHS Trusts, public authorities and the Information Commissioner’s Office, and appears before the Information Tribunal and Appeal Court in both civil and criminal data cases.

Cases & Work of Note:

• Emmanuel Freudential v ICO and Public Health England
  Acted pro bono on behalf of award-winning African investigative journalist Emmanuel Freudential in a final hearing before the Information Rights Tribunal. Instructed by the International Senior Lawyers Project, the case addressed complex issues of public interest journalism, access to official information, and the boundaries between data protection and freedom of expression.
• Advising NHS Trust – FOIA Submission to ICO
  Advised an NHS Trust in relation to a complaint to the Information Commissioner following a detailed FOIA response. Assisted with drafting formal submissions to the ICO, engaging with legal obligations around disclosure, data protection compliance, and sensitive health information.
• GM & Financial Conduct Authority
  Instructed to draft and advise on a Freedom of Information Act request submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to complaints and investigations under MIFID (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive). The matter involved regulatory disclosure obligations and the use of FOIA to support transparency in financial oversight.
• Information Commissioner v Paul Shepherd
  Prosecuted on behalf of the Information Commissioner’s Office for unlawful disclosure under section 55(2) of the Data Protection Act 1998. The case concerned the unauthorised release of a sensitive local authority report involving individuals connected to both local and central government. Raised significant issues concerning the misuse of confidential data and public trust in data handlers.

Regulatory & Disciplinary

Rachel acts across a broad spectrum of regulatory and disciplinary matters, including financial regulation, professional misconduct, whistleblowing, and safeguarding. She is instructed by hedge funds, regulators, statutory bodies and regulated professionals in cases involving serious reputational risk, parallel proceedings, and governance failings. Her work is particularly valued where safeguarding or cultural concerns intersect with misconduct or fitness to practise issues.

Her early career in capital markets and subsequent senior roles at HMRC and the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office give her a nuanced understanding of institutional dynamics and regulatory pressure. Known for her calm, analytical approach, Rachel is trusted to support clients through complex investigations involving public interest, media scrutiny, or compliance risk.

Specialist Advisory & Consultancy

Alongside her core legal practice, Rachel brings a distinctive strategic insight to governance, risk and institutional culture. Her advisory work is informed by a Master’s in Global Risk Management from the University of Cambridge Institute of Criminology, where her research explored group dynamics and the application of situational action theory in institutional settings. She has been engaged to support organisations through leadership transitions, safeguarding reviews, and cultural or regulatory reform, with a particular focus on high-risk or sensitive environments.

Rachel has delivered executive training and strategic consultancy across the UK, West Africa and the Caribbean, working with clients including the Royal College of Surgeons, judicial training institutions, and professional regulators. She serves as a Governing Bencher of the Inner Temple, where she is Deputy Chair of the Equality & Diversity Committee and was appointed to the Church of England Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel in 2025. She is also a Global Visiting Fellow at Bond University, Australia and a Senior Consultant to the Singapore Academy of Law, contributing regularly to policy development, institutional learning and professional standards.

Additional Expertise

Rachel is a qualified civil and commercial mediator and brings a calm, empathetic and pragmatic approach to resolving disputes, particularly high-stakes contexts. She also acts in sports regulatory matters and disciplinary proceedings, having advised and represented bodies including the Racehorse Owners Association, the National Trainers Federation and the Jockey Club. She serves as a legal chair on the Judicial Panels of the British Horseracing Authority and the Football Association, with a particular focus on safeguarding and conduct.

Earlier in her career, Rachel spent over 15 years as a criminal prosecutor in a leading common law set. She was a Level 4 prosecutor in the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) panel of the Crown Prosecution Service, and has extensive experience in serious and organised crime, intelligence-led investigations, and cases involving sensitive material.

Professional Contributions & Recognition

A pioneer in promoting mental health within the legal profession, Rachel co-founded the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative in 2012 and later established the Wellness for Law UK Network in 2017 to support best practice across the sector. She regularly delivers training and talks in the UK and internationally, and contributes to legal commentary and policy development, particularly on issues relating to wellbeing, professional standards and organisational culture.

Rachel was named Female Trailblazer of the Year at the 2025 Modern Law Awards, shortlisted for a European Leadership Award, and featured in The First Hundred Years project, celebrating pioneering women in law. She is also Patron of the Next 100 Years campaign. Her media work includes writing and contributing to legal drama and current affairs programming, including behind-the-scenes work in legal production and direction.

Appointments

• 2025: Appointed King’s Counsel (KC)
• 2024: Appointed to the Judicial College by the Chief Coroner (four-year term)
• 2023: Reappointed as one of six Legal Chairs on the Judicial Panel of the British Horseracing Authority
• 2022: Appointed to the FA Judicial Panel Regulatory Commission and Safeguarding Review Panel (specialist member)
• 2021: Appointed Assistant Coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
• 2020: Appointed to the Judicial Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (Lead for Safeguarding)
• 2019–2022: Assistant Chief Examiner for Ethics, Bar Standards Board (three-year appointment)
• 2018–present: Global Visiting Fellow, Bond University, Brisbane
• 2018: Ambassador for The First Hundred Years – Pioneering Women in Law project
• 2017–present: Senior Consultant, Singapore Academy of Law
• 2017: Chair of the Annual & Young Bar Conference
• 2016–2021: Trustee, Inns of Court Bar Educational Trust (ICBET)
• 2015–2018: Founder & Chair, Wellbeing Committee (Bar Wellbeing Project), Bar Council
• 2015: Appointed Governing Bencher, Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
• 2010–present: Member, Inner Temple Scholarship Committee & Outreach Events
• 2010–2018: Advocacy Trainer, Western Circuit (trained by Inner Temple)
• 2011–2014: Circuit Junior, Western Circuit
• 2010–2018: Equality and Diversity Officer, Western Circuit
• 2009–2019: Elected Bar Council Representative (Western Circuit, Over 10 Years’ Call)
• 2007–2019: Member, General Council of the Bar – Equality, Diversity and Disability Committee

Privacy

Rachel adopts and adheres to the provisions of the privacy notice which can be accessed here.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further details of Rachel’s practice please contact a member of the clerking or client service team.

Bar Council Membership No: 40334
Registered Name: Rachel Michelle Spearing
VAT Registration No: 855057318