“WE’VE WORKED WITH RACHEL OVER MANY YEARS. HER ADVICE, SUPPORT AND EXPERTISE HAVE BEEN INVALUABLE TO US. DAVID ROBSON MD, Insta Group”
RACHEL CLAYFIELD
I’M AN ALUMNI PARTNER NOW
Rachel joined Carbon in May 2015 as an experienced Employment Law Partner. In January 2023 after over 7 years practising Rachel decided it was time to “retire”. Taking advantage of Carbon’s retirement approach she transferred her clients to Matt Huggett.
Rachel continues to be an advocate for Carbon and her partners but is no longer a practising solicitor, preferring to be a part of our Alumni.
What did you love about employment law?
“Employment law is always changing. Just when you think it’s fixed, the Employment Appeal Tribunal or Court of Appeal throws everything into disarray. Evaluating these curveballs, and how they may or may not affect my clients, keeps me on my toes.
I acted for employers and employees, so I saw both sides of the argument and anticipated what the other party’s were likely to say. Every case was different and needed a different approach. So I adapted my approach and advice to suit my clients’ needs. It really was and remains all about what works best for them.”
How did you make a difference for your clients?
I often advised clients through a tricky patch in their lives trying to empathise, be responsive and deliver a great service. So it felt great when I negotiated a favourable exit package or defended a tribunal claim successfully.
Can you give share examples of your career high-points?
It is hard to single these out, but here goes with a few examples!
Successfully defending a claim for unfair dismissal in what was considered a legal grey area. My advice proved crucial, and the judge complimented my client on their procedure, before dismissing the former employee’s claim entirely.
Advising a university on TUPE issues involved in a £20M project to outsource management of its 4,321 student bedrooms and accommodation. This was the largest single private sector residential investment in a UK university.
Working with a large corporate client on the employment issues of buying a competing business, while not falling foul of the Competition Commission’s requirements!
Advising a PLC on a criminal prosecution following a workplace death. I was involved from the moment the HSE invited my client to an interview, to the last day of a six-week trial when the judge discontinued the case against my client. I also recovered over 95% of my client’s costs.
And what’s next now you are retired so young?
I am an active church warden and love to write. I’m also a wife and mother who has worked her whole life so I’m taking the opportunity to do more of what I love with who I love. At the same time I have loved my time with Carbon. The people and culture have been fantastic to be a part of since it’s early days, so I was delighted to be able to stay connected with the firm and my colleagues as I start the new chapter of my life. The approach to retirement meant I could receive value for my life’s work and client connections while knowing they’d be looked after by Matt and the Partners at Carbon. It’s great to be able to refer clients and contacts to the team knowing they’re in safe hands.
