Leading Fraud Expert Strengthens Slater and Gordon’s Criminal Team

A leading fraud expert has been appointed as law firm Slater and Gordon continues its expansion in the north west.

Rachel Adamson, a former partner at Stephensons Solicitors, acts for individuals accused of fraud and regulatory offences including breaches of environmental, health and safety laws and enforcement actions brought by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission.

In a career spanning almost 20 years, she has experienced almost every aspect of criminal law, but says she settled on her specialism after an eye-opening stint in the Crown Prosecution Service’s fraud investigation team which deals with some of the most serious and complex cases investigated by police forces across the UK.

She said: “When I worked at the CPS I helped to prepare a fraud case valued at £1.7 billion in which, on paper, the defendants appeared to be overwhelmingly guilty. The defence chose to test the evidence in the magistrates’ court as you could in those days.

“When the series of ‘respectable’ witnesses gave evidence it became very clear that they were in fact corrupt and dishonest. This taught me a valuable lesson that even the most believable witnesses could and should be tested.”

Rachel previously worked at Lancashire-based Farleys Solicitors as associate partner and was also a partner at Stephensons, heading up the firm’s fraud and regulatory division.

Her reputation and experience have led to her being called on regularly by the media for expert commentary as well as appearances on ITV’s popular reality television series, Judge Rinder’s Crime Stories.

Rachel, who lives in Cottam, Preston, with daughter, Maggie, 12, will divide her time between Slater and Gordon’s offices in Preston and Manchester.

She said: “I was impressed both by their strong brand and the clients who seek their representation and I am delighted and excited to join the team.”

Siri Siriwardene, head of general law at Slater and Gordon, added: “We pride ourselves on listening to our clients so we can tailor the service we offer to suit them best.

“Over the past 12 months we have seen a rise in the number of enquiries in this specialist area and are confident that Rachel’s knowledge and expertise will help us to meet that need and continue to provide a first class service.”