Rachel O’Connell has represented women in sexual harassment cases that resulted in settlements exceeding £1 million. Several of them, in fact. Now, after 28 years navigating employment law’s most contentious terrain, she’s joined Bellevue Law as Senior Consultant.
The appointment marks Bellevue’s third senior hire of 2026.
O’Connell arrives from Farore Law, where she served as partner, bringing expertise that spans discrimination claims, whistleblowing disputes, equal pay battles, and High Court employment litigation. Her track record extends beyond headline-grabbing settlements—she’s built a practice advising C-suite executives and equity partners on potential claims and negotiated exits, while also defending high-value cases in the Employment Tribunal.
The move comes as workplace law specialists face surging demand. Bellevue attributes the pressure to the Employment Rights Act and its own expansion into commercial disputes work. For O’Connell, the shift from boutique to boutique represents a calculated bet on a firm that’s grown rapidly whilst maintaining B Corp certification—an unusual combination in the legal sector.
“Rachel’s depth of experience in high-value discrimination and whistleblowing claims, combined with her ability to handle the most sensitive workplace issues with empathy and strategic clarity, makes her an exceptional addition to Bellevue Law,” said Florence Brocklesby, who founded the firm. “As employers and senior executives navigate increasingly complex cultural, regulatory and reputational risks, Rachel’s expertise will further strengthen our market-leading workplace law offering.”
Brocklesby’s emphasis on “sensitive workplace issues” hints at the delicate nature of much of O’Connell’s work. Beyond tribunal representation, she conducts independent workplace investigations—the kind where findings can topple careers or cost companies millions in settlements before a claim is ever filed.
Her career trajectory mirrors a broader pattern. Major City firm first, then boutique employment practice, now Bellevue. That path—from large to specialised—has accelerated as senior lawyers chase partner-level work without the infrastructure overhead of magic circle firms.
O’Connell’s practice covers wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, and the full spectrum of discrimination law. She’s represented both employers navigating misconduct allegations and employees bringing claims. The dual perspective—claimant and respondent—makes her particularly valuable for pre-litigation advice, where the goal is avoiding tribunal altogether.
“I am delighted to join Bellevue and the team of enthusiastic, friendly and highly experienced lawyers,” O’Connell said. “I look forward to contributing to its growth and upward trajectory in the field of workplace law and supporting our clients as they navigate these challenging times.”
Those “challenging times” include regulatory shifts that have law firms scrambling to expand employment teams. The Employment Rights Act, in particular, has prompted organisations to seek advice on compliance before enforcement actions begin. That legislative change, combined with increased willingness among employees to pursue discrimination and harassment claims, has created what employment lawyers describe as unprecedented demand.
Bellevue Law positions itself as a boutique workplace law and commercial disputes specialist, staffed by partner-level lawyers who previously worked at leading City and international firms. The B Corp certification—which requires meeting social and environmental standards—sets the firm apart from competitors focused purely on billable hours and profit margins.
For Bellevue, O’Connell’s appointment strengthens capability in an area where reputational stakes often exceed financial ones. Sexual harassment cases, whistleblowing claims, and high-profile discrimination disputes can damage brands and trigger leadership changes regardless of legal outcomes. Firms handling such matters need lawyers who understand the intersection of law, reputation, and crisis management.
The firm hasn’t disclosed details about its other two senior appointments this year, though the hiring pace suggests confidence in sustained market demand. Three senior hires in the early months of 2026 indicates either rapid growth or aggressive market positioning—possibly both.
Whether O’Connell’s arrival signals further expansion remains unclear. What’s evident is that Bellevue sees opportunity in the current regulatory and cultural environment, where workplace disputes carry consequences that extend far beyond Employment Tribunal hearing rooms.
