Rachel Langdale KC

Children law; public inquiries.

Rachel Langdale KC is Head of Chambers at 7BR and undertakes Children Law cases, Public Inquiries and Judicial Review.

Acting at first instance for parties in the High Court, Rachel has considerable experience in presenting and challenging complex medical evidence. She is regularly instructed where causing death or serious injury is alleged. She has significant expertise in calling and cross-examining complainants of sexual abuse (with or without the use of a witness intermediary) and frequently acts on behalf of vulnerable adults.

Rachel has advised local authorities and organisations on safeguarding procedure and practice; the use of the inherent jurisdiction and wardship; applications of policy and the provision of services. Rachel’s advice is sought upon the need (or otherwise) for Reporting Restriction Orders or anticipatory injunctions to be obtained. She has extensive experience of appellate work from the Family Division in the Court of Appeal.

Rachel has undertaken Public Inquiry work throughout her career.  More recently she was instructed as leading counsel in the Lambeth investigation in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (2018-2021). She acted for the South Staffordshire PCT in the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (2010-2012). She has also scrutinised the investigations or actions of statutory authorities in the context of judicial review and in the context of allegations made in the Care Standards Tribunal.

Rachel provides a committed service to those she represents.

LLB Hons 1983-86; MPhil (Cantab) 1986-87; Bar finals 1989-90.