To class Rachel as exceptional is to merely scratch the surface. Rachel has a gift for articulating complex issues and distilling intricate matters into understandable concepts”

Chamber UK 2025, Personal Injury

Rachel is ranked as a leading junior in The Legal 500 for personal injury, clinical negligence, and inquests and inquiries, and in Chambers and Partners for Personal Injury.

She enjoys working across the spectrum of clinical negligence and has a particular interest in cases involving delayed diagnosis of cancers of the breast, bone and bladder, alleged negligence in gastro-intestinal and colorectal surgery, cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology. She is regularly instructed  in inquests involving healthcare.

Rachel advises and represents claimants and defendants in a range of RTA, Highways Act, employers’ liability and public liability matters. She advises on professional negligence matters in both clinical negligence and personal injury, and is currently working on cases of up to £7m in value.

Rachel also advises and represents parties on both sides of relief from sanctions applications across the spectrum of civil litigation, publishes The Denton Resource annually and delivers training on the topic.

Before coming to the Bar, Rachel was an academic musicologist and then worked in Higher Education Policy, advising institutional and national policy makers. Rachel was for many years a professional classical cellist and singer. She is an expert on the composer Franz Waxman, on whom she has published scholarly articles and a series for BBC Radio 3’s Composer of the Week.

Cases

See all

Resources

See all

Directory Quotes

Rachel is very pragmatic, has an eye for detail, is confident in her approach and is always approachable.”

The Legal 500 2025, Clinical Negligence

Rachel is a decisive advocate and demonstrates an impressive knowledge of her practice area. She is thorough and compassionate.”

The Legal 500 2025, Personal Injury

To class Rachel as exceptional is to merely scratch the surface. Rachel has a gift for articulating complex issues and distilling intricate matters into understandable concepts.”

Chambers UK 2025, Personal Injury

Rachel is highly capable, both in writing and on her feet. Her advice to clients helps formulate strategies and achieve settlements where appropriate.”

Chambers UK 2025, Personal Injury

Rachel is very pragmatic, has an eye for detail, is confident in her approach and is always approachable.”

The Legal 500 2025, Clinical Negligence

Rachel has an unrivalled attention to detail, excellent response times, and is a thoughtful and concise advocate.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

Rachel has impeccable attention to detail, and is able to give quick and firm advice on difficult questions.”

The Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

Rachel is an approachable barrister who provides reasoned and concise advice.’

Legal 500 2023, Clinical Negligence

She has impeccable attention to detail, and is able to give quick and firm advice on difficult questions.”

The Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

“A strong, organised and approachable barrister, who goes above and beyond to be available to deal with urgent matters. She is patient and understanding with clients, and is excellent at explaining complex matters in layman’s terms.”

Legal 500 2022, Personal Injury

Seminars & Events

See all

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BPTC (Nottingham Law School) – very competent (top in year in commercial litigation and employment litigation)
    • Grad LLB (Nottingham Law School) – first class
    • GDL (University of Plymouth) – distinction
    • PhD (Newcastle University)
    • PGCertHE (Open University)
    • MA by research (University of Leeds)
    • BA (Hons) in Music with English Literature (University of Leeds)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Injury Bar Association
    • Employment Law Bar Association
    • Women Lawyers’ Division
    • Member of the Western Circuit
    • Member of the Western Circuit’s Women’s Forum

  • Additional information:

    Before training for the Bar, Rachel was a full-time academic for many years, lecturing in musicology and specialising in Golden Era Hollywood film scoring and latterly working in Higher Education Policy Research. She is a recognised expert on the composer Franz Waxman (a particular focus of her PhD) on whom she has contributed a range of publications, including a Composer of the Week series for BBC Radio 3. She was until recently a professional classical cellist and singer.

  • Rachel Segal is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.