Rachel Frost-Smith
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 is a presenter for MBL and a frequent commentator in the professional press. Rachel works in our Cambridge and London offices.
Recent work highlights
Representing a mother in lengthy proceedings where the father had covertly recorded the family and professionals for many years. This case included appeals to the High Court on substantive issues and costs.
Representing a party in Family Law Act proceedings with a ToLaTa element concluding with this party receiving a share of the proceeds of sale of the property concerned.
Representing a husband in proceedings where the value of the businesses was not agreed and the wife made an application for a second expert to give evidence.
Rachel Frost-Smith is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw
Experience & education
2020 joined Birketts
2018 – 2020 Irwin Mitchell
2018 Vardags
2017 Solicitor Advocate (Higher Courts Civil Proceedings)
2016 – 2018 Managing Partner CFS Family Law
2014 – 2016 Solicitor Maclaverty Cooper Atkins
1993 Admitted as a Solicitor in Hong Kong
1992 – 1995 Senior Manager with PWC (Hong Kong) advising on corporate global tax planning
1990 – 1992 Solicitor with Linklaters, specialising in corporate tax
1990 Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales
1988 – 1990 Articled clerk with Linklaters
1984 – 1987 LLB (Hons) University of Lancaster
My special thanks to Rachel. You are the best.
Client testimonial, 2023
Insights
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Birketts advise and support domestic abuse victimslegal updateBirketts advise and support domestic abuse victims
Rachel Frost-Smith27 Jan 20253 min read99 -
The Law Commission’s Review of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973legal updateThe Law Commission’s Review of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
Multiple Authors14 Jan 20256 min read186 -
Transgender children and exercising parental responsibilitylegal updateTransgender children and exercising parental responsibility
Multiple Authors6 Nov 20234 min read35 -
Government commissions review of Matrimonial Causes Act 1973legal updateGovernment commissions review of Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
Multiple Authors22 Mar 20235 min read58
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Children’s Mental Health Week (6 to 12 February 2023)legal updateChildren’s Mental Health Week (6 to 12 February 2023)
Rachel Frost-Smith9 Feb 20233 min read18
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Separation and non-compliance: dealing with uncooperative partieslegal updateSeparation and non-compliance: dealing with uncooperative parties
Rachel Frost-Smith9 Jan 20234 min read252
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Protection from domestic abuse: the law and practicelegal updateProtection from domestic abuse: the law and practice
Rachel Frost-Smith7 Nov 20224 min read29
