Rachel’s appellate counsel frequently begins at trial, where she works with the litigation team to craft jury instructions and to identify, preserve and frame potential issues for appeal. With decades of experience handling appeals, Rachel knows the nuances of appellate law and procedure inside and out. Her involvement gives clients a tactical advantage from the early stages of litigation and through the appeals process, whether she is called on to preserve a victory or reverse an erroneous decision.

Rachel is widely known for her outstanding writing and communication abilities. Charismatic and persuasive, Rachel identifies and articulates the issues and merits in a way that will interest and appeal to the appellate and supreme court judges who will decide the matter.

Whether Rachel is retained to initiate an appeal or defend a trial court victory, she crafts polished, assertive briefs and presents her case with precision and strength. She also works diligently with each client to ensure they understand their chances for success, the procedural hurdles, and how long the process might take. In addition to representing parties, Rachel authors and files amicus curiae briefs in matters relevant to specific client industries with an eye to shaping legal policy.

Rachel also does pro bono work on behalf of refugees and nonprofit organizations. She is a member of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Appellate Courts Committee. She is a director of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, where she heads the committee responsible for creating a nationwide appellate specialist exam. She is vice president of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Civil and Human Rights and frequently volunteers as a moot court judge in mock trial competitions.

Rachel is a former partner of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.