Rachel Frost-Smith

Legal Director and Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Rights Civil Proceedings)
  • Experience

Rachel joined Birketts in September 2020. She is a Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Courts Civil Proceedings).

Rachel trained with a Magic Circle firm and on qualification in 1990 specialised in corporate tax. She later moved to Hong Kong, working for one of the Big Four accountancy firms, advising global banks and corporates. Rachel completed her time in Asia living in Tokyo and bringing up her family.

On re-entry to the workplace in England, Rachel specialised in family law. Her background in corporate tax is invaluable when advising clients about the financial implications of relationship breakdown, and pre and post-nuptial agreements. Rachel advises a wide range of clients, including HNW individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Rachel has a great deal of experience of conducting complex children proceedings, including those involving serious safeguarding issues and parents struggling with mental ill health and addiction, and children with learning and developmental challenges. She advises on changes of residence, international relocation, shared care, and specific issues relating to health, education and relocation.

Rachel’s real strength is in the bond she quickly develops with her clients, working closely with them to try (where safe and realistic) to assist in meeting their objectives. Clients are quickly reassured by her calm persona and she is exceptionally compassionate and empathetic.

Rachel will always try to resolve matters amicably for her clients, in the knowledge that decisions made and actions taken during stressful periods such as separation and divorce can have very long-term implications for individuals and families. However when the need arises she is a determined and effective litigator, and is able to offer her clients the option of a seamless and continuous service outside and inside court by undertaking advocacy on their behalf.

Rachel was awarded the title ‘Lawyer of the Year 2020’ by the Cambridge and District Law Society in June 2020.

Rachel is a member of Resolution (a national organisation which represents around 5000 family lawyers) and is an Accredited Resolution Specialist in Private Children Law and Private Children Law Advocacy.

Rachel is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.

Rachel was quoted in The Times in reference to the work of the family courts and children’s mental health.

Rachel has written in the Family Law Journal on a number of topics, including parental alienation and the rights of transgender parents.

Rachel has been featured in the Solicitor’s Journal writing about the Transparency Project in the Family Court, and Todays Family Lawyer featured on the Family Court is Broken.

Rachel is a member of the CAJI (ARU) committee.

Rachel is recommended by Legal 500 [UK 2023]. In this edition, a source notes “Rachel Frost-Smith is a delight to work opposite. You know she will make you work but she plays with a straight bat and you can pick up the phone and have a sensible discussion with her.”

Rachel works in our Cambridge and London offices.

Awards and Memberships

Resolution Member logo

Rachel was awarded the title ‘Lawyer of the Year 2020’ by the Cambridge and District Law Society in June 2020.

Rachel is a member of Resolution (a national organisation which represents around 5000 family lawyers) and is an Accredited Resolution Specialist in Private Children Law and Private Children Law Advocacy.

Rachel is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.

Rachel was quoted in The Times in reference to the work of the family courts and children’s mental health.

Rachel has written in the Family Law Journal on a number of topics, including parental alienation and the rights of transgender parents.

Rachel has been featured in the Solicitor’s Journal writing about the Transparency Project in the Family Court, and Todays Family Lawyer featured on the Family Court is Broken.

Rachel is a member of the CAJI (ARU) committee.

Rachel is recommended by Legal 500 [UK 2023]. In this edition, a source notes “Rachel Frost-Smith is a delight to work opposite. You know she will make you work but she plays with a straight bat and you can pick up the phone and have a sensible discussion with her.”

My special thanks to Rachel. You are the best.

Client testimonial, 2023

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