Rachel Russell - Inquests & Public Inquiries

Rachel is a highly experienced inquest barrister and has represented all types of interested persons including families of the deceased.

Rachel has had conduct of a number of high profile inquests that have attracted national press attention.  This includes the inquest touching the deaths of GR & DD, which considered the novel issue of whether the deaths of 2 healthcare workers from COVID-19 could be characterised as deaths arising from ‘industrial disease’. Read more here.

With particular experience in inquests with complex issues and high volumes of disclosure, Rachel has advised and represented clients in inquests where Article 2 is engaged and where the Coroner is sitting with a jury.  Her inquest practice has touched upon a broad range of issues, including deaths in custody, deaths in clinical settings and deaths arising from aviation accidents.

Rachel is well aware of the challenges interested persons (IPs) face in preparing for an inquest and is known for her ability to absorb a high amount of material and detail in a short period of time, as well as for providing practical advice to clients on how to manage the inquest process and on ancillary matters such as Regulation 28 reports.