Experience
Police and Prison law is Rachel's passion and she has dedicated her entire career to this area of law. The DWF team has gone from strength to strength under Rachel's leadership. She is relentless in the pursuit of her clients' interests and in providing clients and their stakeholders with the best possible service. She undertakes the full range of litigation on behalf of her clients and also provides advice on policy and operational matters. She works closely with DWF's regulatory specialists on HSE prosecutions and Serious Fraud Office investigations.
Practicing in this area of law has given Rachel the opportunity of working with some of the world's biggest custodial services operators, a significant number of police forces in England and Wales and numerous individual senior police officers. She has significant experience in dealing with high value, complex litigation and inquests which often attract press attention and public scrutiny. Rachel has been involved in a number of high profile cases including MA & Others -v- Independent Adjudicator & Director, HMYOI Ashfield, a Court of Appeal case of the unlawful use of physical control techniques on children detained in secure training centres. She acted on behalf of South Yorkshire Police in contribution proceedings against the BBC in the claim brought by Sir Cliff Richard relating to the media coverage of the search of his property during the force's criminal investigation.
Outside of work Rachel enjoys running, walking, skiing and generally keeping fit.
Testimonial
"Rachel Jones is very highly organised, very knowledgeable and a practical lawyer who is very adept at managing heavy caseloads and difficult cases." "She is very good at managing personalities in complex environments." - Chambers & Partners 2020
DWF's long-standing client, Serco Ltd, said,"DWF have established themselves as a key advisor to Serco not only by being excellent lawyers but by genuinely investing in our relationship. Rachel Jones and her team across a number of specialisms have shown a great appetite for learning about our business, its challenges and opportunities and invested the time needed to develop strong relationships with our legal team and other key contacts. This approach has enabled them to develop a deep understanding of our organisation, fully grasp what it is we really want from our legal advisors and to deliver an excellent service and add great value to Serco."
Chambers and Partners commented, " Head of department Rachel Jones earns extensive praise as "a strong and dynamic leader" who "runs a tight and enthusiastic ship." She regularly acts for forces against claims for false imprisonment, misfeasance, malicious prosecution and human rights breaches ".
Chambers and Partners also notes, "The 'just excellent' Rachel Jones offers a broad police law expertise that includes cases of assault, misfeasance in public office, public inquiries and inquests. She recently defended private contractor Serco in a case alleging negligence, false imprisonment and assault."
'Rachel Jones is "very quick on the uptake, positive and easy to deal with." Clients note that she "has many years of experience, and is someone to watch – she's really good."