Mary-Rachel specialises in mental capacity and community care law, with a focus on children’s rights cases.
Mary-Rachel has a busy Court of Protection practice and regularly acts in cases concerning residence, care and deprivations of liberty. Mary-Rachel has particular expertise in cases involving 16 and 17 year olds in the Court of Protection. Mary-Rachel acts for vulnerable adults, children, their families, and statutory bodies. She is frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor.
Mary-Rachel has a particular interest in disability and children’s rights. She regularly acts in urgent judicial review proceedings for children who are street homeless or otherwise in need of support or accommodation. She also acts for children in Human Rights Act damages claims against local authorities, including claims arising out of delays by local authorities in issuing care proceedings. She represents disabled children and their parents in judicial review proceedings against local authorities relating to their care packages.
Year of Call: 2015
Mary-Rachel has been recognised as a ‘rising star’ by the Legal 500 in Court of Protection and Community Care Law.
"She has a brilliant eye for detail and thinks quickly on her feet."
"Her ability to put vulnerable clients at ease is quite extraordinary." - Chambers and Partners 2022
In 2018, Mary-Rachel was awarded a Pegasus Scholarship by Inner Temple. She travelled to New Zealand for two months to work at YouthLaw, the country’s only dedicated law centre for children and young people.
Mary-Rachel has contributed to Disabled Children: A Legal Handbook (Legal Action Group, Third Edition, 2020). She also co-authors the Court of Protection updates for Legal Action Magazine. She is a trustee of KIDS, a national charity that provides services to disabled children, young people and their families.
Spanish
Liberty
Court of Protection Bar Association
Legal Sector Workers United
LLB Law with Spanish (1st Class Honours), University of Sussex and University of Seville (2007-2011) Harmsworth Scholarship, Middle Temple (2013) Bar Professional Training Course (Very Competent), City University (2013-2015)