Rachel Welch-Phillips

Rachel Welch-Phillips is a lawyer who previously worked as an Associate at Bird & Bird LLP, specializing in international aviation practice.6 She has a background in environmental policy, holding an MPhil in Environmental Studies.6 In December 2021, after 5.5 years with Bird & Bird, Rachel and her family relocated from the UK to their home country of Trinidad & Tobago.2

During her time at Bird & Bird, Rachel made significant contributions:

1. She founded and chaired Bird & Bird's first ethnic minority network, Embrace, which organized workshops and community events.4
2. She served on Bird & Bird's environment committee.5

Rachel's decision to relocate was influenced by her desire to create a different environment for her children, particularly her daughter. She expressed concerns about the lack of diversity in the UK legal profession, stating, "The feeling of always standing out, always being the only Black person in the room, often the only Black woman in any room - it's not something I wanted my daughter to feel".1

As of April 2024, Rachel's LinkedIn profile indicates she holds a position as IP & Life Sciences Partner at Bird & Bird3, suggesting she may have returned to the firm in a more senior role after her initial departure.