Rachael Oakes > Freeths LLP > Oxford, England > Lawyer Profile

Rachael Oakes

01865 781181 rachael.oakes@freeths.co.uk View profile View profile View profile

Work Department

Family law department.

Position

Partner, Joint National Head of the Family Wealth Team and the Firms Platinum Client Services.

A top UK specialist divorce lawyer, appointed Deputy District Judge (part-time), accredited mediator and collaborative professional dealing with all areas of family work to include divorce, civil partnership proceedings, all issues relating to cohabiting couples and children.

Rachael is recognised as a leading expert in resolving the financial issues arising from relationship breakdown for clients based both in the UK and abroad – especially for representing people with a public profile and high value, complex cases which will often involve international assets, companies, trusts, tax, pensions and other jurisdictions. She also specialises in the preparation of pre and post marital agreements and cases involving children both within the UK and internationally, including relocation to another country. Rachael also leads and manages the Freeths Platinum Client Service.

Rachael provides a discreet and professional service for high profile clients who want to avoid media attention and keep their personal affairs private. Rachael has many years’ experience of running and achieving successful outcomes in court cases where an amicable resolution hasn’t been possible.

Recent case examples: highest value schedule 1 case involving an unmarried couple in the UK as at 2014; many cases involving assets worth over £100m to include trusts, businesses, pensions, and foreign jurisdictions; Pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Using mediation, lawyer led negotiation and collaborative practice to keep cases out of court. Acting for people with a public profile. Specialist areas of expertise; acting for business owners and directors; supporting wives where ongoing financial support is essential; international cases involving offshore and foreign assets including pensions. Expert representation in farming cases and landed estates; wealth preservation with pre and post-nuptial settlements; Deeds of Separation; cohabitation claims and complex children cases. Rachael also works out of Freeths’ London office.

Career

Trained, solicitor and partner at Bower & Bailey, qualified 1996. Partner at Mowbray Woodwards. Partner Henmans 2006 who merged with Freeths in 2013.

Memberships

Resolution (also a member of national training team); International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). As an active member in both local and national collaborative and mediation committees Rachael works with the national sub-committee of Resolution to promote and market dispute resolution options across the UK and Europe. FMC and FMA as an accredited mediator who is also qualified to meet with children.

Education

London University (1993 LLB); Legal Practice Course (1994 (distinction)); Collaborative training (2002); Accredited family law specialist (2004); Mediation training (2011); MIAMS training (2011); Accredited mediator status acquired (2016); Qualified to consult with children (2018).