Rachel consistently demonstrates outstanding professionalism and competence in her role as a solicitor. I have had the opportunity to cover hearings for Rachel’s cases across both Magistrates’ court and Crown Court proceedings. Her thorough understanding of her cases is evident in every aspect of her work. I have consistently found her cases to be well-prepared and structured, with clear and concise proofs of evidence despite managing a high caseload.
Furthermore, Rachel’s client care is exemplary, and she consistently ensures that her clients receive the highest standard of representation and support. She thinks tactically and her advice to clients is always well structured and logical. I have had many cases either dropped on the day of trial in the Magistrates’ court or dropped after reviewed in the Crown court because of Rachel’s management of the case.
Lauren Bates-Brownsword, 2 Bedford Row
In terms of business development and inter-personal skills, Rachel appears at ease with clients and willing to go the extra mile. She knows when to instruct particular counsel and makes good judgment calls. She is personable and a great person to be around.
Harrie Austin Jones, 5 Paper Buildings
Rachel did an excellent job in preparing each case and provided me with a helpful Proof of Evidence. She separated out the papers for me and provided a very helpful Brief to Counsel. Without her assistance, it would have been very difficult to separate out and collate the different case papers efficiently.
Lisa Wilson, 25 Bedford Row
Rachel Oakley is an Associate Crown Court Caseworker in our General Crime department, based at our Leighton Buzzard office. Rachel litigates on an extensive range of cases in the Crown Court and the Youth Court. Cases varying from simple driving matters to complex murders and serious sexual offences are always prepared with tenacity and compassion to the highest standard. Rachel strives to be a fierce litigator and police station representative, whilst always maintaining a friendly and warm attitude. She is skilled in working carefully under pressure, problem solving, and organisation.
Her main responsibilities include applying for legal aid and prior authority, preparing client instructions, applying for bail and bail variations, drafting representations, legal arguments, and witness statements, liaising with the Court and Prosecution, and instructing expert witnesses for the defence.
Prior to joining Reeds, Rachel worked at two smaller practices in Milton Keynes and Luton specialising in criminal defence and prison law over the span of almost 6 years. During this time, she made successful representations to the parole board for the release of two individuals who had been recalled on licence. Rachel also gained valuable experience in appeals against conviction and sentence out of time, including for Manslaughter, Murder, and Rape.
Rachel is dedicated to helping others. She is incredibly empathetic, which makes it easy to communicate with and relate to a wide range of people, especially those with vulnerabilities. Rachel is proud to deliver strong client care in every case and will go above and beyond for her clients using the extensive knowledge gained over her years of experience in criminal defence.
From the police station to the Crown Court and beyond, Rachel strives to go the extra mile. Primarily undertaking work funded by legal aid, the quality of her work always shines through. In making strong written representations to the Prosecution, she has had many cases reviewed and discontinued when it has not been in the public interest to prosecute vulnerable defendants struggling with mental health or have been the victims of modern slavery and even negotiated for a Crown Court case to be referred back to the police for a caution. Since joining Reeds, she has also had the opportunity to assist with a number of Court Martial cases.
Professional qualifications/professional memberships
- Joint Honours Law and History Degree, Kent University, 2017
- Police Station Accreditation, November 2019
Recent and notable cases
R v MH (2024-2025) Litigator for an Attempted Murder that happened at a large music festival in Milton Keynes.
R v BF (2023-present) Litigator for an ongoing appeal against conviction to the CCRC for a high-profile murder which allegedly took place in 2015.
R v BH (2024) Litigator for an ongoing case of Conspiring to pervert the course of justice and GBH Section 18.
R v KA (2024-2025) Litigator for a case of Kidnap, Possession of a firearm, and Concerned in the supply of class B. The client was acquitted.
R v AH (2024) Litigator for GBH Section 18 and Robbery – acquitted.
R v US (2024) Litigator for GBH Section 18 – acquitted.
R v PW (2024) Litigator for GBH Section 18 – acquitted.
R v MH (2023-2024) Litigator for Section 2 Explosives Act offence at the Old Bailey.
R v AH (2024) Litigator for Aggravated burglary and Burglary. Rachel represented AH at the police station and put forward two prepared statements which formed the basis of the application to dismiss, which was successful and resulted in not guilty verdicts recorded.
R v JE (2023) Litigator in Crown Court Assault emergency worker case in which no evidence was offered after thorough representations by Rachel relating to the public interest and mental health of the defendant were submitted.
R v LF (2022) Litigator in two Possession with intent to supply cases in which successful representations on modern slavery resulted in the Crown offering no evidence.
R v NW (2024-2025) Litigator for a stranger Rape case. The client was acquitted.
R v SJ (2024) Litigator for an ongoing stranger Rape case.
R v EA (2024) Litigator for a serious allegation of stranger Rape and Sexual assault on a 14-year-old. The defence involved numerous conferences, consideration of extensive unused material, defence witness statements, and CCTV enquiries. The case was expertly prepared meaning that a change of Counsel just a week before trial did not phase the client. After a 3-day trial, he was acquitted.
R v BH (2024) Litigator for a historic allegation of Sexual assault on a 14-year-old. Rachel provided a witness statement which was read at trial. BH was acquitted after a 12-day trial.