SILK PROFILE
Rachel Barnes KC

Rachel Barnes KC

UK Bar 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 6 practice areas

About

Provided by 3 Raymond Buildings

Practice Areas

A dual-qualified US attorney and English barrister, Rachel has a niche fraud, corruption and sanctions practice at the juncture of civil and criminal litigation, in both domestic and international cases. Appointed to various government panels of counsel (see below), Rachel is also known for her strategic approach in dealing with regulators and other third parties. Clients value her US background and knowledge of US sanctions, as well as her wider practice in cross-border criminal and asset restraint investigations, extradition and MLA, public law and commercial cases. She is well versed in issues of jurisdiction and state immunities and human rights. Rachel advises and represents corporations, governments, individuals and NGOs. She prosecutes and defends in all criminal courts and acts in judicial review and civil cases, appearing in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Rachel is a co-editor of The Guide to Sanctions (4th ed. GIR 2023) and has taught law at the London School of Economics and Cambridge University. She holds a PhD (Cantab) in public international law and an LL.M (Harv. Law School).

Career

Call 2004 (UK), 1999 (NY); Attorney General’s Public International Law Counsel to the Crown SFO Prosecution Counsel and PoCA Counsel

CPS specialist panels of POCA and Extradition Counsel

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Sanctions - All Circuits

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Rachel Barnes KC advises clients on both US and EU sanctions legislation. She represents clients in civil proceedings, criminal investigations and asset-freezing matters arising from economic sanctions.

International Human Rights Law - London (Bar)

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Rachel Barnes KC exhibits notable expertise in international human rights issues raised across her practice, including in extradition and sanctions cases.

Financial Crime: Corporates - London (Bar)

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Rachel Barnes KC is an accomplished barrister whose international crime and fraud practice is complemented by her expertise in extradition and confiscation proceedings. Although she often advises individuals, she is also increasingly sought out by companies that are dealing with internal investigations or are accused of potential sanctions breaches and illegal manipulation of benchmark rates. She is highly regarded for her expertise in cases involving money laundering and complex fraud. Her dual qualification in US law makes her a go-to counsel on matters with a transatlantic element.

POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Rachel Barnes KC is a dual-qualified US attorney and English barrister who specialises in financial crime, restraint and asset confiscation and is experienced in international criminal law. She has a particular focus on prosecution work and is appointed to the SFO POCA Panel, but also represents defendants. Barnes has appeared in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Extradition - London (Bar)

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Rachel Barnes KC is a criminal law specialist with an extremely strong extradition practice. She boasts particular expertise in matters stemming from the USA and has experience of acting both for requested persons and governments. She is also an expert on Interpol Red Notices and has experience of handling international law and cross-border matters.

Financial Crime - London (Bar)

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Rachel Barnes KC is an accomplished barrister whose international crime and fraud practice is complemented by her expertise in extradition and confiscation proceedings. Although she often advises individuals, she is also increasingly sought out by companies that are dealing with internal investigations or are accused of potential sanctions breaches and illegal manipulation of benchmark rates. She is highly regarded for her expertise in cases involving money laundering and complex fraud. Her dual qualification in US law makes her a go-to counsel on matters with a transatlantic element.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Rachel is super hard-working. She is on the ball in her application of the law.

    SanctionsUK Bar
  • Rachel is clearly an impressive barrister in the field and is in high demand.

    SanctionsUK Bar
  • Rachel's intricate knowledge of the sanctions regime and regulations coupled with an awareness of other jurisdictions has been of great value.

    SanctionsUK Bar
  • Rachel is one of the true and longstanding experts in the field of sanctions.

    SanctionsUK Bar
  • Rachel is very learned and very good to work with.

    SanctionsUK Bar
  • Rachel Barnes is encyclopaedic in her knowledge and really understands how international criminal law works on a political level.

    International Human Rights LawUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at 3 Raymond Buildings (117)

All Circuits

London (Bar)

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership