7BR is home to a team with 'vast knowledge of family law'. The group is particularly adept in handling cases concerning international child abduction and relocation issues. Barbara Connolly KC is highly sought after for her expertise in advising on cases involving medically complex evidence, the deaths of children, and surrogacy and fertility treatment issues. Brendan Roche KC handles both public and private children law proceedings, and is often instructed on matters concerning allegations of severe injuries to children. Rachel Langdale KC frequently appears before the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Among the set’s juniors, the 'meticulous' Helen Compton is skilled at handling cases involving allegations of fabricated or induced illness.
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Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Public Inquiries; Independent Reviews; Public Law Children
Position
Rachel Langdale KC is Head of Chambers at 7BR. Rachel is a multi-disciplinary practitioner, who undertakes Public Inquiries, Independent Reviews and Public Law Children cases.
Public Inquiries and Reviews
Rachel Langdale KC is currently appointed as Counsel to the Nottingham Inquiry, chaired by HH Deborah Taylor.
Rachel Langdale KC was appointed as Counsel to the Thirlwall Inquiry in September 2023. In accordance with the terms of reference a large amount of written and oral evidence was obtained by the Inquiry Legal team, and hearings took place at Liverpool Town Hall between September 2024 and January 2025.
Rachel was instructed as leading counsel in the Lambeth investigation (2018-2021) in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. She was instructed as leading counsel for the South Staffordshire PCT in the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (2010-2012). The Inquiry was chaired by Sir Robert Francis KC and followed his earlier independent inquiry (“the First Mid Staffs Inquiry”).
Rachel has acted for local authorities and individuals in lengthy Inquiries surrounding the plight of children in care (including the Waterhouse Inquiry). She has scrutinised the investigations or actions of statutory authorities in the context of judicial review, and is instructed to conduct independent, external reviews.
Public Law Children
Rachel Langdale KC has extensive experience in presenting and challenging complex medical evidence. She has been regularly instructed where causing death or serious injury is alleged. She has significant expertise in calling and cross-examining complainants of sexual abuse (with or without the use of a witness intermediary) and frequently acts on behalf of vulnerable adults.
Rachel is instructed in appellate work and has argued jurisdictional points at first instance on behalf of individuals and public authorities. Her advice has been sought upon the need (or otherwise) for anticipatory injunctions to be obtained in circumstances where there is media interest in a case. She has advised surrounding the use of the inherent jurisdiction and wardship; safeguarding procedure and practice; medical treatment cases; applications of policy and the provision of services.
Memberships
Member of the Queen’s Counsel selection panel (2018-2022)
Bencher Middle Temple (2011) (Co-Chair Temple Women’s Forum 2013-2018; Chair of Bench Selection Advisory Committee 2018-2022)
Family Law Bar Association
Justice (independent charity, working to advance access to justice, human rights and the rule of law)
Bar Council Ethics Committee (joined 2009, VC 2016, Chair 2017-2020)
Chair of the Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference 2019
Education
LLB Hons 1983-86; MPhil (Cantab) 1986-87; Bar finals 1989-90.
Content supplied by 7BR
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Harry Smith is absolutely first class, always willing to help and go above and beyond.'
- 'Harry Smith and Nathan Keegan are always willing to check the diary and move things around to accommodate last minute instructions.'
- 'Harry Smith is efficient and willing to assist.'
- 'Harry Smith is impressive.'
- 'A great set of family barristers.'
- '7BR has a strong family team at all levels.'
- 'Strength and depth at all levels.'
- 'Very high quality counsel.'