Rachel explains the issues clearly and sympathetically and is very supportive of the family at an emotional time.”

The Legal 500 2025, Inquests and Inquiries

Rachel appears in the coroner’s court on matters involving healthcare in a variety of contexts.

Recent instructions:

  • Representing the NHS Health Board following the death of a patient who suffered a fatal stroke following elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
  • Representing the NHS Health Board following the death of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension with a haematoma secondary to a pelvic fracture while an inpatient.
  • Representing the family of a patient who suffered a fatal catastrophic bleed following suspected recurrence of throat cancer.
  • Representing the family following a neonatal death.
  • Representing the NHS Health Board following the death of a patient from a pulmonary embolism caused by a DVT following a road traffic accident.

Cases

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Resources

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Directory Quotes

Rachel has an unrivalled attention to detail, excellent response times, and is a thoughtful and concise advocate.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

Rachel has impeccable attention to detail, and is able to give quick and firm advice on difficult questions.”

The Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

Rachel is an approachable barrister who provides reasoned and concise advice.’

Legal 500 2023, Clinical Negligence

“A strong, organised and approachable barrister, who goes above and beyond to be available to deal with urgent matters. She is patient and understanding with clients, and is excellent at explaining complex matters in layman’s terms.”

Legal 500 2022, Personal Injury

Seminars & Events

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  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BPTC (Nottingham Law School) – very competent (top in year in commercial litigation and employment litigation)
    • Grad LLB (Nottingham Law School) – first class
    • GDL (University of Plymouth) – distinction
    • PhD (Newcastle University)
    • PGCertHE (Open University)
    • MA by research (University of Leeds)
    • BA (Hons) in Music with English Literature (University of Leeds)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Injury Bar Association
    • Employment Law Bar Association
    • Women Lawyers’ Division
    • Member of the Western Circuit
    • Member of the Western Circuit’s Women’s Forum

  • Additional information:

    Before training for the Bar, Rachel was a full-time academic for many years, lecturing in musicology and specialising in Golden Era Hollywood film scoring and latterly working in Higher Education Policy Research. She is a recognised expert on the composer Franz Waxman (a particular focus of her PhD) on whom she has contributed a range of publications, including a Composer of the Week series for BBC Radio 3. She was until recently a professional classical cellist and singer.

  • Rachel Segal is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.