Rachel O’Connell

Partner

“Rachel proved herself to be very knowledgeable across all aspects of employment law. She is reliable, dedicated, conscientious, efficient and likeable. She dealt with virtually everything herself which was a big plus, and also showed great empathy for the emotions involved . .. Rachel consistently gave good, balanced advice but was also willing to listen to and accept alternative views. She was tough, unflappable and a pleasure to deal with.” Client

“Rachel’s ability to empathise at the same time as remaining completely objective is a huge asset. Her ability, not only to listen, but to immediately identify the salient points in a dispute enables her to focus on the central issue and to take things forward efficiently to achieve the best outcome for her client. I highly recommend Rachel for her thoughtful professionalism.” Client

“Thank you so much for all the hard work and advice you so kindly gave. Your style, incredible expertise and experience rebuilt my confidence and I never felt alone as we moved through the process together to its conclusion. You are an incredible person Rachel, you selflessly fight your way through the most horrid of human traits and leave your clients with healthy minds and the chance of a positive future. As I put a negative work environment and your services behind me it is comforting for me to know that people like you exist and if ever I come across a friend in trouble I have a recommendation for help that I can share with absolute confidence.” Client

“Thank you Rachel. You have been really helpful and efficient and I shall certainly be recommending you to anyone in my acquaintance with employment issues in the future. In particular you explained everything in simple non legalese – lots of people are scared of lawyers !” Client

“Now, I am going to use capitals ….. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. What a relief and at last I can start a new life. I could not have done it without your expertise, help and support. I will always be grateful.” Client

Rachel O’Connell

Partner

Rachel is a Partner at Farore Law and has specialised in employment law for over 25 years. During the course of her career, she has worked in the employment department at one of the larger city firms and more recently ran her own boutique employment law firm in Surrey.

Rachel’s expertise and experience covers all areas of employment law, and she has an excellent record in the Employment Tribunal in bringing and defending claims in particular for discrimination, whistleblowing and equal pay.

Rachel has acted for and advised many senior executives in relation to potential claims in the Tribunals and High Court, including C-Suite management and equity partners. She has also acted for several women based in the City in cases involving sexual harassment, securing significant settlements for them. Her litigation experience is in complex and high value discrimination and whistle-blowing claims. Recent works include:

Acting for a Senior Executive in a pharmaceutical company with a complex whistle-blowing claim, this resulted in a settlement in the high six figures at the Tribunal door.
Acting for a city trader with a complicated claim of unfair and wrongful dismissal against Citigroup, this case has significant ramifications for the client who was FCA regulated. The ET found that he was both unfairly and wrongfully dismissed by Citi and that he was innocent of any wrongdoing. He is seeking re-instatement / re-engagement.
Acting for a female Senior Executive in a large nation-wide organisation with an equal pay, discrimination and unfair dismissal claim. This claim settled for a six figure sum before proceedings needed to be issued.
Acting for a senior Executive working at a very senior level for a tech company in a claim of disability discrimination resulting in a negotiated settlement in six figures.

Rachel has negotiated settlement packages in excess of £1 million for many clients. She also advises, pre-litigation, on employment and employment-related misconduct matters, and has experience of acting as an independent investigator. Some recent investigations Rachel has undertaken include:

An investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against a senior member of management in a global organisation, this included several interviews of various staff members and forming a conclusion and setting out recommendations for the Company;
An investigation into allegations of improper conduct by a director of a global provider of security and bomb disposal equipment including falsifying specification documents with potentially life threatening consequences, this investigation necessitated a review and an understanding of laws effecting other jurisdictions including those in Africa and South East Asia.

Many clients remark on Rachel’s ability to listen and to empathise at the same time as giving expert, realistic and practical advice. Rachel, with the support of the Team, will deal with your case sensitively and will do her absolute best to help you achieve your desired outcome.