After 20 years as a Partner with BCL, Rachel Hubbard has decided to step down from private practice with the firm, and as a solicitor.

Rachel will now focus on her charity work, particularly for Next Meal, a digital hub promoting soup kitchens and services for the homeless and vulnerable people, and the Lord Edmund Davies' Legal Education Trust (LEDLET), which provides work experience for students.

On announcing her departure, Rachel said "Having spent the greater part of my legal career at BCL, I am obviously sad to be leaving such a wonderful firm and so many marvellously talented colleagues and friends across the legal profession. I am looking forward to taking a new direction and channelling my energy and experience into two charities, which both provide opportunities to disadvantaged young people and adults".

Regarded as one of the top general crime and fraud solicitors of her generation, Rachel has specialised in serious, complex and high-profile crime throughout her career. Commenting on her departure, BCL's senior partner Ian Burton said: "It has been a privilege to work alongside Rachel for so many years at BCL and, as a Partner for the last 20 years, she has made a considerable contribution to the firm. She is a highly respected criminal lawyer and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and many friends at the Criminal Bar. We wish her the very best in the next phase of her life".

Rachel will maintain her interest in the law and will remain a member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA), the Association of London Welsh Lawyers (ALWL) and the Association of Women's Solicitors (AWS).