Rachel Welch-Phillips

I am an Associate in the International Aviation Group at Bird & Bird LLP.

I act for operating lessors, managers, banks and airlines in a variety of international aviation transactions, and provide regulatory advice to the industry with a special focus on environmental matters. I have experience in commercial and financial aviation matters including aircraft sale and purchase, operating leases and asset management.

Alongside my law degree, I hold a BA and MPhil (Cantab) in Environmental Policy and advise on regulatory and compliance issues in relation to airline greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters. In addition, I assist clients with a broad range of regulatory matters within the aviation industry including slot allocation, big data, jurisidictional issues, the law of unmanned aerial vehicles, and general compliance with EU and UK aviation law.

As the daughter of a diplomat my life has been characterised by constant travel, predominantly to places where being black was the exception not the rule. From an early age I faced the challenges of representing visible and audible difference, and in overcoming these, I have learned the significant strength to be found in being different. Throughout my legal journey and in my role as Chair and Founder of the BAME Network at Bird & Bird LLP, Embrace, I strive to prove and to empower others to apply the strength that lies in confidently portraying unique characteristics and perspectives.