Rachel Crasnow KC

Practice Areas

employment /discrimination, contract, regulatory and public law

Career

Leading employment and equality law silk, appearing in high profile and complex cases, which often focus on scope of discrimination and human rights law. Rachel specialises in all aspects of discrimination, equal pay and whistleblowing work. Her cases overlap with regulatory, medical, education and public law. Recent cases include ongoing representation of judges following her long-standing work in O'Brien v MOJ (part-time pensions litigation), multi-claimant supermarket equal pay claims, representing whistleblowing foster carers following her success in NUPFC v CO in the Court of Appeal. Rachel also appeared in the first Supreme Court case concerning disability-related-discrimination (Williams v Swansea University).

Other equality work includes challenges to single-sex services, discriminatory dress-codes, freedom of speech for academics, benefits discrimination and trans-discrimination in charities /higher education. Rachel represents the Labour Party in the High Court and regularly advises the EHRC.

Rachel is a popular independent investigator and mediator. She sits as a Recorder and Police Appeal Tribunal judge. Her commitment to equality and diversity are evidenced through the award of Diversity Law Champion in 2018 and being nominated for a D&I Inclusion Outstanding Contribution award in 2022.

Professional Memberships

ILS, ELBA, ELA, DLA, Advocate, ELAAS, HRLA.

Publications

Blackstone's Guide to the Equality Act 2010 (OUP 2021), Employment Law and Human Rights (OUP 2018), Family Rights in Employment Law (Jordans 2012)

Personal

BA Hons Oxford, CPE City University. Middle & Inner Temple Scholarships. Bar Council Committee member. Chambers Wellbeing lead. ELBA diversity lead. Trustee at Birthrights. Volunteer for Schools Consent Project