About

Rachel qualified as a solicitor in 2002, specialising exclusively in family law and matrimonial issues. As a director, Rachel is responsible for the day to day running of the firm including managing the family team and providing leadership and guidance within the firm.

Rachel has over 15 years of experience in family law issues and most recently spent 5 years working for a leading law firm based in London. Her extensive experience in all aspects of family law includes:

• complex financial cases involving substantial assets
• private children matters (child arrangements, prohibited steps and specific issues orders including leave to remove cases)
• divorce proceedings
• civil partnership disputes
• pre and postnuptial agreements
• domestic violence issues
• financial provision for children for unmarried parents
• issues for unmarried couples including living together agreements and complex disputes regarding co-ownership of, or alleged financial interests in properties.

Rachel is a member of Resolution and places the children’s best interests at the heart of her cases.

Rachel has dealt with many cases with overseas assets and issues and is regularly instructed by international clients. Rachel has a formidable reputation as a pragmatic lawyer focussed on early, amicable resolution wherever possible. She has built up particular expertise in advising clients in support of mediation ensuring that any agreements reached are robust, fair and legally enforceable.

However, Rachel is equally comfortable challenging unreasonable behaviour on the part of the other party and has successfully represented many clients in contested court proceedings when they are necessary.

Hobbies and Interests

In her spare time, Rachel takes part in endurance events including triathlons and open water swimming events.

Testimonials

• “I was very fortunate to have Ms Rachel Duke as my solicitor in my recent divorce. She is the perfect combination of professionalism, accuracy, fairness and humanity. I always felt that Ms Duke was on top of my case and fully up to speed anytime I contacted her, regardless of her extremely busy caseload. My emails and calls were always answered promptly and clearly. Ms Duke was also incredibly helpful to me in planning financially for the daunting prospect of Court. I was always provided, well in advance with very accurate quotes, timelines and assessments of her time on my case. This meant I was fully aware of the financial implications of my decisions and was able to make the necessary savings between invoices. I had peace of mind knowing there were no hidden costs or surprises. At that difficult time, I was extremely grateful to have a solicitor I could completely trust and rely on to keep me focused as emotions can make this process confusing and difficult. In my profession, I have worked with some of the leading legal firms in London and Ms Duke provided me with the best service, by far. Needless to say, I highly recommend Ms Duke and will engage her services again, if ever required.”
• “Rachel Duke acted for me during my divorce from my wife, which could have been a much more traumatic experience than it was due to Rachel’s comforting straightforward legal advice in regards to my particular case which was complicated with my ex-wife wanting to have my home and children. In the end, working through the legal avenues and communicating with my ex-wife’s legal representatives Rachel was able to steer me and support me through to a settlement that was much fairer than my ex-wife was seeking. I highly recommend Rachel Duke as she is no-nonsense, supportive, she has common sense and a cool head that will give you the best legal advice you will find in a moment when you need it.”
• “Rachel Duke was excellent support and advisor in my divorce proceedings. She has an acute attention to important details, and kind empathy – and I couldn’t recommend her highly enough.”

Articles

Law Gazette – We can work it out.