Rachel Wilson

Rachel was called to the Bar in 2010 having read Law at King’s College London where she remained to complete a Masters in Law specialising in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Criminal Law, graduating with distinction. Rachel was awarded the Gerald Moody Scholarship by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn.

In 2013, following the completion of pupillages at 2 Bedford Row and 2 Hare Court, Rachel joined Blackfords LLP to become lead counsel at the firm’s London office.

Rachel’s client base extends throughout the UK and internationally, including the U.S.A, UAE and Europe. She regularly represents companies and individuals from the corporate and professional spheres within the banking, business, military and political sectors, in addition to the industries of media, entertainment, art and fashion. Rachel also frequently advises both ultra-high net-worth, high net-worth individuals and public figures. As a result she is known for her excellent client care and reputational management in ensuring that matters are tactically dealt with on both a discrete and professional basis.

Her practice focusses on:

• Business crime
• Anti-competitive cartel cases
• Bribery
• Corruption
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Serious crime
• Reputation management

In addition she is instructed in regulatory matters, health and safety and professional discipline in forums such as the NMC, HCPC, SRA and university disciplinary proceedings. This entails both significant advisory work and regular appearances at court as an experienced advocate.

Explore our legal services.

• What the directories say

  Recommended lawyer – Legal 500 – 2023

  • “Impresses to a level beyond her years’ experience.” Legal 500, 2023
  • “Very diligent and a pleasure to work with. She knows the answer before you’ve thought of the question.” Legal 500, 2022
  • “Is able to pick up cases at very short notice and handle them with confidence and competence. She is great at taking the heat out of litigation and keeping the focus on the issues.” Legal 500, 2022
  • An exceptional lawyer and advocate. She is very impressive in court. She is affable, but always formidable in her client’s defence. A superb lawyer all around.” Legal 500, 2022
  • “A dedicated lawyer. She handles clients very well and has very good judgement” Legal 500, 2021
  • “Very bright” Legal 500, 2020
  • “Intelligent and extremely able” Legal 500, 2020

• Notable cases

  • R v D: Allegation of conspiracy to murder. Successful submission of no case to answer resulting in an acquittal for the client.
  • R v A: Secured an acquittal representing the head of a Mosque in relation to allegations of money laundering concerning the proceeds of drugs offences and tax fraud.
  • R v B: secured acquittal for client accused of involvement in £40 million mortgage fraud.
  • R v S: secured acquittal for public officer accused of involvement in money laundering.
  • R v O: Secured an acquittal for TV personality in relation to allegations of assault.
  • R v C: Defended a Hatton Garden jeweller in relation to allegations of high value conspiracy to rob and handle stolen goods, money laundering, possession of criminal property, benefit fraud and tax fraud.
  • R v M: Successfully had case discontinued against very high net worth US citizen in relation to a serious assault investigation and is continuing to liaise with and work in partnership with his US legal team
  • NMC v A: Secured acquittal of all contested charges in respect of a patient death in a mental health unit and successfully argued on an admitted matter that it did not amount to misconduct. This resulted in the proceedings being discontinued.
  • NMC v P: Successfully argued against an interim suspension order.
  • HCPC v D: Successfully argued against suspension and striking off following impairment resulting from a criminal conviction.

   

   

  • IHAT investigation: Currently instructed in an investigation by the Iraq Historic Allegations Team in regards to allegations concerning the actions of UK soldiers regarding the drowning of an Iraqi citizen.
  • Electoral Commission investigation: Currently instructed in relation to ongoing investigation conducted by the Electoral Commission.
  • IPSA investigations: Currently instructed in investigations brought by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
  • R v G: Currently instructed by high net worth UAE citizen in relation to an investigation concerning the administering of a noxious substance.
  • R v H: Currently instructed by Foreign Exchange trader under investigation by the DOJ, SFO and FCA for allegations of market fixing and manipulation
  • R v O: Currently instructed by high net worth clients allegedly in breach of the Town and Country Planning Act in respect of their London property portfolio and liaising with their civil team
  • R v D: Currently instructed by Dubai businessman in relation to a suspected large scale fraud operation and liaising with and advising his Dubai legal team.

• Memberships & associations

  • Member of the Criminal Bar Association
  • Member of the Young Fraud Lawyers Association
  • Member of the Female Fraud Forum