About Rachel Opie
LAWYER, ADVISER, STRATEGIST, LEADER
Rachel is an experienced lawyer and leader with expertise in Aotearoa New Zealand public law and public international law. She has a passion for justice, working collaboratively, thinking creatively and finding pragmatic solutions.
Rachel has extensive experience working inside and outside government, international organisations, international courts and tribunals, and commissions of inquiry. In Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, she has had roles in private practice, Te Aka Matua o te Ture/New Zealand Law Commission, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She has advised on national and international commissions of inquiry. Most recently, before moving to the Bar, Rachel was a Crown Counsel and leader of a public law team in Te Tari Ture o te Karauna/New Zealand Crown Law Office.
Rachel is based in Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand and Geneva, Switzerland. She is a member of Kate Sheppard Chambers, a virtual, nationwide Chambers in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is also a member of Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa/New Zealand Law Society.
Work Highlights
Advised on matters of public law and policy and international law at Chen Palmer and Partners.
Provided legal and procedural advice on six pre-trial and trial cases in the burgeoning field of international criminal law at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, including as the clerk to Judge Patrick Robinson, Presiding Judge of Trial Chamber III.
Advised the International Fact-Finding Mission on Israeli Settlements, established by United Nations Human Rights Council resolution 19/17 (March 2012), as the FFM’s Legal Advisor.
Provided specialist legal advice within UN Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN system, particularly on matters of human rights and armed conflict, human rights and weapons, accountability, transitional justice, safety of journalists, non-state actors, private military and security companies, statelessness and administrative law issues.
Co-led the establishment and work of the legal and investigations teams of the New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, provided legal and strategic operations advice to the inquiry, and led reports development.
Provided advice and leadership within the Aotearoa New Zealand public service as Crown Counsel and Legal Team Manager (Public Law 3) at the Crown Law Office and (on secondment) Manager of the Environment and Resource legal team in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Qualifications
Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (2003)
LLM Public International Law, University of Leiden, The Netherlands (2000)
LLB, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand/University of Groningen, The Netherlands (2000)
BA, majoring in History of Art, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (1999)
Recognition
Peace and Disarmament Education Trust scholarship (2005)
New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women Fellowship (2005)
Freyberg Scholarship, New Zealand Ministry of Defence (2002)
Professional Memberships
Contact Rachel today to discuss how she can help
Learn more about how Rachel’s tailored approach can assist you.
Offering meetings in-person or via phone or video call.
Rachel Opie specialises in public law and international law. Located in Aotearoa New Zealand and Switzerland. Working with clients worldwide.
