Birketts have bolstered the largest Family Law Team in East Anglia by appointing award-winning Senior Associate, Rachel Frost-Smith.

Most recently recognised as Lawyer of the Year 2020 at the Cambridgeshire Law society awards, Rachel first qualified as a solicitor in 1990. She worked at a Magic Circle City law firm advising multi-national companies on corporate tax before moving to Asia to work for one of the ‘big four’ accounting firms in Hong Kong.

After a successful career advising banks and global companies on cross-border structures and starting a family, Rachel returned to the UK and requalified as a family lawyer and solicitor-advocate for Higher Courts Civil Proceedings. Rachel is also a member of Resolution and an accredited specialist in private children law, and private children law advocacy. She joins Birketts from a highly-regarded national law firm’s Family Law division.

Speaking of her appointment, Rachel said: “My background in multi-national corporations has given me the keen eye needed to effectively deal with the financial implications of divorce and pre-nuptial agreements and I am delighted to join Birketts’ successful Family Law team.

Birketts has an excellent reputation for clear legal advice and quality client service, so to be a part of a firm as respected as this is very exciting.

Family law demands imaginative solutions to complex problems, and the challenge of ensuring the best outcome for all those involved in every case is one I relish.”

Head of Family Law at Birketts, Oliver Gravell, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Rachel to the Family Law team and I am sure she will serve our clients with the legal acumen and emotional tact required for our clients, no matter their circumstances.

Rachel’s experience as a solicitor-advocate is another welcome addition to the team. Giving clients the extra reassurances and continuity they need in typically fraught and emotional circumstances can never be overlooked and I am confident she will be invaluable in this respect.”

Although Rachel will be based in Cambridge, Rachel will be working with colleagues across all Birketts’ offices in Chelmsford, Ipswich, London and Norwich.