Rachel Fung is a nationally respected solicitor with 20 years’ experience in policing, public law, and human rights. As Legal Director at Weightmans, she brings deep expertise in serious crime, legislative reform, coronial law, and major public order operations.
A Higher Rights Advocate formally at Lancashire Constabulary, Rachel has advised on some of the most complex legal challenges facing UK police forces. Her experience includes Firearms Act appeals, where she supports forces from initial advice through to appeal hearings.
She played a pivotal role in the inquest into the death of Nicola Bulley, acting as Junior Counsel to John Beggs KC; and has led numerous sensitive investigations and Article 2 inquests. Her advocacy has earned praise from both clients and coroners alike. A Senior Coroner described her as someone who “really thought points through carefully and with skill and forensic understanding.”
Rachel’s practice spans a board range of specialist legislation including the Sexual Offences Act, Proceeds of Crime Act, and Crime (International Cooperation) Act 2003. She assisted the Home Office on the implementation of the Public Order Act 2023 and has provided strategic legal counsel to the defence and nuclear sectors under the National Security Act 2023 and Common Law Police Disclosure.
With Higher Rights of Audience in both civil and criminal courts and an MSc in Senior Leadership, Rachel has advised on high-risk operations and major events, environmental protests, and politically sensitive operations, including the policing response to the fracking protests, G7 Speakers’ Conference, HM King Charles III’s ceremonial visits, and the policing response to the Southport incident and related protests in 2024.
She works closely with gold commanders on fast-moving public order operations, pre and post incident planning, hostile reconnaissance response, and national security matters, including the use of Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Orders and public order legislation. Her work has helped embed key lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry into operational policing, reinforcing her position as a leading legal practitioner in police law and public sector strategy.
In the past, she has provided training on Sexual Offences Act 2003, Domestic Violence Protections Orders, Police led injunctive orders, Firearms Appeals, National Security Act 2023, Public Order Act 1986, Stalking Protection Order, Family Disclosure and Forced Marriage Protection Order.
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An accomplished advocate and great solicitor.
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Rachel shows great judgement and maturity when discussing the tactics of sensitive cases.
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Her knowledge and support were fantastic.
SC Vetting
Association of Police Lawyer
Aspire leadership development programme – College of Policing
Member of The Law Society