I specialise in helping companies and individuals recover money owed to them as quickly and cost effectively as possible. I cover the full spectrum of debt recovery methods, from issuing LBAs to enforcement, and regularly advise on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Clients tell me that I am good at keeping them updated, easy to get along with and that they appreciate my willingness to tell them the truth, even when they would prefer not to hear it. I seek to develop longstanding relationships with all my clients, speaking with them often and maintaining detailed and organised records of their files.
My expertise includes helping:
- banks and financial institutions recover unpaid invoices
- SMEs, directors and shareholders across various industries with the full range of debt recovery and debt claim defence matters – I have significant experience in assisting law firms, local businesses, debt recovery agencies and credit management companies
- private clients with regard to money loaned to or from friends and family, personal loans, loans from 3rd parties and the defence of debt recovery claims
- insolvency practitioners with the collection of book debts
Bank & financial institution highlights:
- assisting several asset based finance companies with the recovery of their unpaid invoices
SME, director & shareholder highlights:
- assisting a family law firm recover its unpaid solicitors’ fees, including an outstanding invoice for circa £50k
- removing CCJs from the company records of several SMEs
- assisting a credit management company with various debt recovery claims, including obtaining judgments and final charging orders, and negotiating significant monthly repayments on their behalf
- negotiating a drop-hands settlement for a credit management company which resulted in them not having to pay a £10k counter claim against them
Private client highlights:
- successfully recovering a large sum of money a grandmother had loaned to her grandson
- obtaining payment of fines, on behalf of a leading regulatory authority overseas, from a citizen who had fled the country
- defending a professional individual against a debt claim for services they had allegedly failed to provide
- negotiating a favourable settlement for a private individual with a friend who owed them a substantial sum of money
Insolvency practitioner highlights:
- managing the recovery of a law firm’s book debt ledger
- managing the recovery of several company book debt ledgers
Rachel is an excellent debt recovery lawyer who has a good commercial understanding of client objectives and genuinely cares about getting the right results. Her clients are always looked after.
A barrister with whom Rachel works
Rachel is the ideal choice for helping family law firms recover debts: she’s an expert in debt recovery, well-versed in the nature of family law practices and a pleasure to work with.
Kerry Mordey, Director at Hopkins Law
Rachel guided us through with much patience to a successful conclusion. We would certainly recommend FWJ for the outstanding professional service they provide.
Private client for whom Rachel recovered money loaned to an estranged family member
Rachel Watkins is a lawyer with excellent contract knowledge. She managed to negotiate a contract dispute against us down to a very affordable settlement.
A company director
Rachel Watkins is a very efficient and experienced litigator. She is always a pleasure to deal with.
Frank Ryan, Director – Head of Litigation at Vardags
Rachel has been our go to debt recovery lawyer for almost two years now. She is organised, easy to work with and very effective.
A credit management client