Rachel Smith
Rachel joined St James as a partner in April 2024.
Having been admitted as a Solicitor in 2015, she spent 7 years working at a busy North London firm before relocating back to Devon. She has specialised in Criminal Defence work throughout her career.
Rachel is an Accredited Police Station Representative, has her Duty Solicitor Status and also her Higher Rights of Audience. This means she can represent her clients from the outset at the police station all the way through to the Crown Court.
Having appeared regularly in the Crown, Magistrates and Youth Court for a number of years, Rachel has gained extensive experience and regularly deals with serious and complex cases. She prides herself on fighting tirelessly for every client to ensure the best possible outcome can be achieved. Furthermore, Rachel has a passion for working with young and vulnerable clients.
Away from the office, Rachel can normally be found travelling the country watching Chelsea play football, or enjoying a glass of wine.
Notable cases:
R v H [2024] – Appeared as advocate for a third strike drug offender who faced a minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment. She successfully argued exceptional circumstances, resulting in her client avoiding being sent to prison. The Prosecution appealed the sentence and Rachel successfully defended the appeal.
R v W [2024] – lengthy and complex conspiracy to supply drugs and firearms offences.
R v P [2024] – client acquitted of rape after trial.
R v C [2023] – Client charged with a very large scale conspiracy to supply drugs. Acquitted.
R v D [2023] – Rachel’s client was acquitted of attempted murder. Co-defendant found guilty.
R v S [2022] – Client accused of GBH. Self defence raised at trial. Acquitted.
R v W [2022] – successfully defended a client accused of multiple burglaries, arguing mistaken identity.
R v L [2021] – An Organised Crime Group were accused of serious and complex drugs supply and sexual offences. 14 defendants stood trial. Rachel’s client was the only person acquitted.