Rachel Troup

Rachel was instructed as junior counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry in March 2018. Skilled in data-heavy and complex investigatory work, Rachel led two large teams of junior counsel and paralegals focusing on the forensic analysis of complicated and voluminous material in two key areas: the regulatory regime for fire safety and the testing and certification of construction products. She has a comprehensive knowledge of both fire safety legislation and guidance and of the Building Regulations, with a particular focus on Part B and Approved Document B (Fire Safety) and related policy. Having worked closely with the inquiry’s experts, Rachel also has a detailed understanding of fire engineering, mechanisms for fire spread and fire protection measures.

Rachel questioned a number of key witnesses from the manufacturers and regulators, drawing praise for her advocacy and her encyclopaedic grasp of the technical issues.

Rachel is an experienced criminal defence barrister with significant expertise in criminal enforcement and in defending across the full range of serious offences. An accomplished and sought-after trial advocate, Rachel also offers comprehensive, pragmatic advice from the earliest stages of any investigation through to any prosecution and appeal.

In particular, Rachel provides specialist advice and representation to individuals and corporate clients at all stages of investigations and prosecutions involving allegations of fraud and financial crime, bribery and corruption, money laundering and other Proceeds of Crime Act matters. Her experience encompasses pre-charge advice and challenges to search warrants, issues of disclosure, legal professional privilege, PII (Public Interest Immunity) and confiscation.

With considerable advocacy experience before a wide variety of courts and tribunals, Rachel’s regulatory practice encompasses healthcare, education, fire safety, agricultural and animal welfare matters, environmental offences, transport and licensing. Adept at supporting clients at all stages and with substantial expertise in assisting clients to navigate the investigation and enforcement process in proceedings brought by a wide range of authorities, Rachel provides sound strategic preparatory advice and steady reassurance from the very earliest stages through to hearings at all levels.

Rachel’s environmental practice is focused on advising and defending in criminal and quasi-criminal matters, including cases involving waste, air and water pollution, contaminated land, licensing and matters arising from planning enforcement. Rachel also acts in environmental tax matters, including advising on disputes in relation to Landfill Tax and the Landfill Communities Fund Scheme.

Rachel advises and represents companies and individuals as part of the team at 39 Essex Chambers on all aspects of specialist environmental regulatory and criminal allegation. She brings her wealth of experience, comprehensive practical advice, and strategic decision-making at all stages of representation, from pre-emptive compliance advice to initial investigations by the EA and other regulators, through to enforcement and prosecution in the criminal courts. Her expertise encompasses all areas of environmental regulation, including:

• Inspections;
• Criminal investigations, voluntary interviews, interviews under caution and prosecution;
• Orders ancillary to prosecution (confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Directors Disqualification);
• Environmental Permitting Regulations, including applications, appeals, compliance and enforcement (suspension, prohibition and revocation notices);
• Waste Offences;
• Hazardous material;
• Contaminated land and illegal discharges to air, land and water;
• Landfill Tax and the Landfill Communities Fund;
• Statutory Nuisance;
• Wildlife and Rural Offences, including illegal wildlife trading, hunting, firearms and offensive weapons and all matters under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.