Recently described as: ”an extremely bright and effective advocate, and a real hit with clients”; “very intellectual, she gets to the heart of a dispute quickly and is very engaging”; and an “unflappable” barrister “who understands the issues straightaway”. Rachael specialises in high-value construction, engineering, technology, infrastructure, nuclear/energy along with professional negligence and insurance claims related to these sectors. She also acts in procurement disputes. She is instructed as a junior and in her own right, including acting as sole advocate in international arbitrations. Her clients are domestic and international, and she has experience in the English Courts and also representing parties under various international arbitral rules, including: ICC, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, UNCITRAL and DIAC.
Rachael is recommended in leading UK and Global directories, including for her work in construction, professional negligence and international arbitration. She was nominated for International Arbitration Junior of the year at the 2019 Legal 500 UK Awards. She is recognised as a Future Leader in the WWL Global Guide.
Rachael advises clients on all forms of commercial dispute resolution and has represented clients in mediations (including under the Court Scheme), adjudications and disputes under the Railway Industry Dispute Rules. She has been appointed as the legal nominee on a Dispute Advisory Board and is also a TECBAR Adjudicator. Rachael has also represented a Corporate Core Participant as part of the Grenfell Inquiry.
Rachael has contributed to various construction legal texts, including: two chapters of Keating on Construction Contracts (11th Edition); and writing a Chapter for “Construction Law, Costs and Contemporary Developments: Drawing the Threads Together – A Festschrift for Lord Justice Jackson”, Edited by Julian Bailey.
Bar Vocational Course, Nottingham Law School (Very Competent): 2005-2006 LLB, Law with French, Birmingham University (2.1 (Hons)): 2001-2005 Diplôme d’Etudes Juridiques Françaises, L’Université de Limoges: 2003-2004
London Bar
Rachael O’Hagan – Keating Chambers ‘Rachael is collaborative but also clear and directive; a flexible advocate who adapts her style as required for the circumstances. As an advocate, she builds rapport with the tribunal, the witnesses and even the other side.'
London Bar
Rachael O’Hagan –Keating Chambers ‘Rachael is a joy to work with. She is extremely personable, has good instincts and is superb on her feet.’
London Bar
Rachael O’Hagan –Keating Chambers 'Easy to work with; thorough and conscientious.'
London Bar
Rachael O’Hagan – Keating Chambers 'A diligent and bright junior.'