Testimonials
“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.Lauren Bates-Brownsword, 2 Bedford Row
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. ”
“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
Crown Court Caseworker
Leighton Buzzard
Areas of law:
Criminal Defence Solicitors, Police Station, Youth Court, Crown Court, Appeals Against Conviction, Appeals Against Conviction and Sentence, Fraud Solicitors, Criminal Law: Funding
Rachel Oakley is a Crown Court Caseworker in our General Crime department, based in our Leighton Buzzard office. Rachel litigates on a wide range of cases in the Crown Court and the Youth Court. Her main responsibilities include applying for legal aid and prior authority, preparing thorough proof of evidence documents, 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.
Rachel Oakley 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 to deliver strong client care in every case and will go above and beyond for her clients using her extensive knowledge gained over her years of experience in criminal defence. Cases varying from simple driving matters to complex murders and 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.
Professional qualifications/professional memberships
- Joint Honours Law and History Degree, Kent University, 2017
- Police Station Accreditation, November 2019
Notable Cases
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 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 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.
R v JE (2023) Litigator in Crown Court assault emergency worker case in which no evidence was offered after thorough representations relating to the public interest and mental health of the defendant by Rachel were made.
R v LF (2022) Litigator in possession with intent to supply cases in which successful representations on modern slavery resulted in the Crown offering no evidence.
