Rebecca is a Partner and Solicitor in the Abuse department at Bolt Burdon Kemp, where she has been a dedicated advocate for survivors of abuse since joining the firm in 2011. Specialising in complex claims involving childhood sexual abuse, she represents both adults and children who have suffered at the hands of individuals and institutions entrusted with their care.
Legal Expertise in Abuse Claims
Rebecca has built a strong reputation for pursuing justice against organisations such as the Church, the Scout Association, schools, and local authorities. She also acts in claims against individual abusers, and has successfully secured court orders for the sale of their property to ensure her clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Her specialist expertise includes claims against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for sexual abuse and assault committed by employees and volunteers. Rebecca has represented clients across all branches of the MOD, including the Regular Army, Army Cadets, Sea Cadets, and Air Cadets. Her investigations have uncovered preventable negligence, adding aggravating factors to claims and strengthening her clients’ cases for additional compensation.
Personal Injury and Criminal Injuries Compensation
In addition to abuse litigation, Rebecca maintains a personal injury caseload, acting for survivors of sexual assault. She regularly assists clients with applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), including appeals and tribunal reviews. Her meticulous approach has resulted in a 100% success rate in these cases.
Survivors’ Rights to Compensation Training
Rebecca provides vital free training to Police forces across the country on survivors’ rights to compensation as well as to charities that work with survivors. Rebecca is passionate about ensuring that survivors are aware of their rights and the different routes to justice that they can access. Should you wish to arrange training for your organisation please do contact Rebecca.
Media Contributions and Public Commentary
Rebecca is a recognised voice in the media, frequently appearing in print, television, and radio to comment on legal developments and share insights from her cases. Notable appearances include:
- BBC Two – Victoria Derbyshire (April 2017): Discussed a landmark case involving Cambridge County Council’s failure to prevent abuse by a teacher, resulting in a £550,000 settlement — believed to be the largest out-of-court settlement by a local authority for abuse in a school.
- BBC Panorama – ‘Cadet Abuse Cover Up’ (July 2017): Featured alongside clients to expose systemic failures within the MOD and raise awareness of abuse within the Cadet Forces.
Rebecca’s media commentary has also appeared in:
- BBC News – Survivors secure posthumous ruling on abuser’s MBE
- Birmingham Live – MBE statement over Birmingham Sea Cadet chief at centre of sex abuse claims
- Birmingham World – Survivors speak out amid Forfeiture Committee ruling
- The Guardian – MOD pays £2 million to settle Cadets sexual abuse claims
- Manchester Evening News – Army Cadet Sergeant Major unveiled as predatory paedophile
- The Times Brief – MOD accountability over cadet abuse
- Evening Telegraph – Cadet abuse cover-up by officials
Reported Cases
Rebecca has acted in several high-profile cases, including:
- BDA v Domenico Quirino [2015] EWHC 2974 (QB): Secured £173,786.70 for a client abused by her karate teacher, including compensation for delayed career progression.
- FKB v Lampitt [2015] EWHC 3368 (QB): Achieved £205,965.61 for a client abused over several years, with an order for sale of the defendant’s property to enforce payment.
Professional Memberships
Rebecca is actively involved in professional networks that support survivors and promote best practices in abuse litigation:
- Joint Coordinator – APIL’s Child Abuse Special Interest Group
- Panel Member – Association of Child Abuse Lawyers
- Senior Litigator – Accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
