Rachel Lee

Rachel qualified as a Solicitor in the construction and engineering team at Birketts in September 2025, having completed two seats in the team during her training contract.

Based in the Ipswich office, Rachel specialises in contentious construction matters, including adjudications, pre action disputes and court proceedings. She advises on a broad range of issues such as defect claims, termination, and payment disputes. In addition, Rachel has experience reviewing and advising on non contentious construction documentation, including JCT and NEC standard form contracts, collateral warranties and other bespoke construction agreements.

During her training contract, Rachel also gained experience in the employee incentives team, where she assisted with the implementation of share option schemes, enterprise management incentives, and employee ownership trusts. Her first seat was in the commercial real estate team, where she worked on lease drafting, title reporting, and commercial property financing.

Recent work highlights

• Advising a large social housing provider on multiple defect claims across its residential portfolio, including matters involving legacy construction issues and fire safety concerns. This has included providing guidance on the application of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated secondary legislation, reviewing expert materials, and assisting with the development of strategies for recovery against contractors and consultants.
• Assisting local authorities involved in mixed‑use regeneration projects and residential schemes with navigating the Pre‑Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes. This work has included preparing detailed letters of claim and responses, attending pre‑action meetings, coordinating input from technical experts, and advising on early‑resolution strategies relating to workmanship, design and project‑management issues.
• Advising a regional construction and development group on the operation and effect of termination provisions under a standard form contract.

Experience & education

2023 Joined Birketts

2023 University of Law (LPC)

2020-2022 University of Law (GDL)

2013 – 2016 Courtauld Institute of Art (BA History of Art)