Biography
I’m a partner in the Medical Negligence team in Leeds. I completed my training with Irwin Mitchell in 1992 and continued working as an associate.
Before becoming a partner in 2016, I spent three years as a defendant solicitor. This experience gives me tactical insight which I use to make successful claims for my clients.
Overall, I have over 30 years’ experience in medical negligence. I specialise in claims involving children who suffer brain injuries at birth and adults with spinal cord injuries.
I was involved in the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) Inquiry and reached settlements for over 250 people. Lately, I’ve been involved in Human Growth Hormone claims.
As well as being a partner, I’m also a team leader in the Medical Negligence team in Leeds. I lead forums to share best practice and train and mentor junior solicitors.
I also supervise and mentor litigation assistants in our wider personal injury department.
Testimonials
"Rachel Roach has vast experience and laser-like intellect that identifies on a case quickly and effectively. She has a commanding presence and is a highly efficient negotiator who is not fazed by the tactics of defendant solicitors. Based on her specialism and broad knowledge, Rachel is a “lawyers’ lawyer”." - Legal 500, 2022 (Next Generation Partner)
"She has vast experience, is committed to the client, extremely intelligent, extremely impressive and practical." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Leading Individual - Band 3)
"An impressive performer is Rachel Roach, who takes on and succeeds in high value complex cases." - Legal 500, 2021 (Next Generation Partner)
Rachel has been ranked a 'Leading Individual - Band 3' - Chambers & Partners, 2021
"Amazing support very friendly easy to approach, responds relatively quickly to calls emails. Easily understanding to the legal process" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I always found [Rachel] to be friendly, reassuring and very thorough in the way she dealt with matters at hand. I was always kept up to date with any progress and Rachel was always at hand to help with any questions and guidance along the way." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We can not thank Rachel Roach & Rebecca Pearey enough for their continued hard work. We will be eternally grateful Our son has cerebral palsy as a result of a difficult birth and we really didn’t know what the future would hold for him. I’m pleased to say that his future looks much brighter thanks to the help we’ve received." - 5* Trustpilot review
"She's really calm and has a wealth of experience." - Chambers & Partners, 2020
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I’ve always been fascinated by law and medicine and I find the medical aspect of my work interesting. I studied law at university with the intention to teach. However, when I became a clinical negligence lawyer, I felt it was the perfect way to combine law and medicine.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
It’s rewarding to build lasting relationships with my clients during their journey through the claims process.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy family life in the country with my three (now grown-up) children. I spend my free time riding my horses, walking my dogs, and raising my small flock of free range chickens.
