7BR

Children law; public inquiries; judicial review

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

Inquests & Inquiries

Rachel Langdale KC is currently appointed as Counsel to the Thirlwall Inquiry. The terms of reference are available here.

Rachel Langdale KC was instructed as leading counsel in the Lambeth investigation (2018-2021) in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. She was instructed as leading counsel for the South Staffordshire PCT in the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (2010-2012). The Inquiry was chaired by Sir Robert Francis KC and followed an earlier independent inquiry (“the First Mid Staffs Inquiry”) which he also chaired. The terms of reference were “To examine the operation of the commissioning, supervisory and regulatory organisations and other agencies in relation to their monitoring role at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust between January 2005 and March 2009 and to examine why problems at the Trust were not identified sooner and appropriate action taken.”

Rachel has acted for local authorities and individuals in lengthy Inquiries surrounding the plight of children in care (including the Waterhouse Inquiry). 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.

Family Law

Rachel Langdale KC has extensive 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 is instructed in appellate work and has argued jurisdictional points at first instance on behalf of individuals and public authorities. Her advice has been sought upon the need (or otherwise) for anticipatory injunctions to be obtained in circumstances where there is media interest in a case. She has advised surrounding the use of the inherent jurisdiction and wardship; safeguarding procedure and practice; medical treatment cases; applications of policy and the provision of services. She also undertakes relocation cases, and provides a committed service to those she represents.

Member of the Queen’s Counsel selection panel (2018-2022) Bencher Middle Temple (2011) (Co-Chair Temple Women’s Forum 2013-2018; Chair of Bench Selection Advisory Committee 2018-2022) Family Law Bar Association Justice (independent charity, working to advance access to justice, human rights and the rule of law) Bar Council Ethics Committee (joined 2009, VC 2016, Chair 2017-2020) Chair of the Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference 2019

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