Rachel Tomley

Specialisms

Rachel has a wealth of experience within Child Arrangements, including representation of unmarried fathers seeking contact with their children after allegations of safeguarding issues has been raised as well as mother’s opposing shared care arrangements in Children Act Proceedings. She has also represented grandparents who have primary care of their grandchildren in proceedings. Some of her matters have involved children that have complex needs as well as internal relocation.

Approach

Rachel takes a caring, compassionate but robust approach to the cases she is working on and is able to build up a great rapport with her clients during difficult and overwhelming times. She will go above and beyond to make the process more manageable for clients and provides clear communication on a timely basis.

Training and experience

Rachel attended Aberystwyth University and graduated with First Class Honours in 2019. After graduation, she went on to study the Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Legal Professionalism at University of Law (Chester) and graduated with a Distinction in 2020. Whilst studying the LPC, Rachel regularly volunteered at the Family Law Pro Bono Clinic to assist lawyers with initial Family Law consultations.

Upon completing her legal studies, Rachel commenced her Training Contract in 2021 at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors and qualified as a Family Law Solicitor in March 2023. Upon qualification, Rachel was based in the Oswestry office to provide legal advice in relation to child arrangements and divorce/finances to individuals in rural areas. She gained experience in advising parents and grandparents involved in Children Act Parents, including urgent applications. She also advised clients on financial remedies upon divorce and consent orders.

In September 2024, Rachel moved to Sydney, Australia and worked at Allens, a leading international law firm, reviewing documents on behalf of corporate clients. Rachel then worked at boutique law firm, Thornton and King, whereby she assisted senior lawyers with legal support across all areas of law.

In April 2025, Rachel returned back to the UK to continue her practice as a Family Law Solicitor.

Outside of work

Outside of work, you will often find Rachel exploring the outdoors and takes a great interest in hiking. She is also an avid reader and is particularly fond of Kristin Hannah novels.