Rachel Roche is the founder of Roche Legal, an award-winning law firm known for its compassionate, modern approach to private client work. From starting out in her spare room with £500 and a single client, to building a nationally recognised firm with offices in York and London, Rachel’s journey is one of courage, authenticity, and continuous growth.
Rachel’s Journey
Rachel’s entrepreneurial journey began in February 2014, when she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own firm. With just £500 and her first client, someone she met at a Pilates class in her local village hall, she launched Roche Legal from home.
What began as a one-woman venture soon gained momentum. Over the years, the firm has grown into a thriving practice with a talented team and an ever-expanding reputation for excellence. Through resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to her clients, Rachel transformed her vision into a respected, values-driven business.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, especially through the pandemic,” Rachel reflects. “But it’s also been a decade of resilience, learning, and growth, and I’m so proud of where we are today.”
About Roche Legal and PetPact®
Roche Legal specialises in Wills, Probate, Trusts, and future planning, guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most important moments with clarity and care. The firm has built its reputation on empathy and professionalism, offering expert legal advice while making clients feel genuinely supported.
In 2025, Rachel and her team launched PetPact®, a groundbreaking digital legal solution that helps pet owners plan who will care for their animals if they fall ill, pass away, or experience a relationship breakdown. PetPact®, the first of its kind, reflects Rachel’s ongoing commitment to innovation and compassion in legal services, bridging the gap between modern technology and heartfelt human need.
Challenges
For Rachel, the hardest challenge has been growing into her role as a leader. “Building a strong team meant first understanding myself, my values, my leadership style, and how to empower others to thrive,” she explains.
Learning to lead authentically, she says, has been transformative. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that authenticity builds trust. Today, I’m surrounded by a talented, supportive, and motivated team. Together, we’ve built something really special.”
Like many women in business, Rachel has also faced bias and discrimination. “There have been times I’ve felt judged or underestimated simply because I’m a woman,” she says. “Rather than let that define me, I’ve used it as fuel to challenge assumptions and build a business culture where everyone can lead, succeed, and be unapologetically themselves.”