Rachel’s professional work has developed with a particular focus on medical device technology, which necessarily involves expertise in the software-, app- and computer-implemented aspects of such technology. These skills have led her to work across a diverse technical range, now including waste processing, innovations in the circular economy, medical devices and food technology. Along the way, Rachel also has considerable experience in the ophthalmology sector and has worked on a number of very significant cases involving stem cells. Her work has also included trade mark and design matters and plant variety applications and appeals.

Rachel has extensive experience in conducting freedom-to-operate opinions, providing strategic IP advice and preparing due diligence opinions. She also has experience of litigation of patent and trade mark matters. She is especially skilled at providing focussed, commercially relevant advice, often under significant time pressure. Rachel always prefers to provide clear advice and guidance to a client, and to work in collaboration with them, rather than simply providing information on which the client is left to make a decision. Rachel is particularly keen to gain in-depth understanding of a client’s commercial situation and goals, so that she can act as a pseudo in-house advisor and help to guide the overall strategy.

Rachel has worked with a range of clients throughout her career, with particular experience in assisting start-up companies; she has a keen understanding of the challenges faced by such companies. She takes immense satisfaction from adding true value to her clients’ businesses, by providing strategic advice that allows them to manage and use their IP in the most commercially effective manner.  She is also a keen networker and enjoys making connections and introductions on behalf of her clients. Rachel continues to be recognised by Managing IP, again in 2023, as one of their IPStars. Testimonials in Legal 500 have described Rachel as

“incredibly responsive with a razor-sharp focus. She provides excellent service with measured advice and strong commercial awareness. She is a key trusted adviser – I know that she will look out for the client.”

and

“Rachel Wallis is an all-rounder. Excellent technical knowledge, commercially astute, high quality service, strong client management and, to top it all off, is enjoyable to work with.”

Rachel is primarily based in London. Away from the office, she can often be found watching cricket or working on her wine cellar.