Who? Rhean Bailey, 37-year-old solicitor at north London firm Lewis Nedas, who specialises in criminal law.

Why is she in the news? Represented Olive Rack, the owner of a Northamptonshire nursery who was cleared of assaulting a toddler after two local authority childcare inspectors complained about her behaviour as she was employing the 'naughty-step' disciplinary technique, famously used in Channel 4's 'Supernanny' programme. She was charged with common assault and accused of dragging a two-year old girl by the arm, forcing her into a chair and poking her twice in the head. Ms Rack, who has 40 years' experience in the industry and has owned Tresco House Day Nursery for 19 years, denied the allegations. After a two-day trial, magistrates ruled that Ms Rack's physical intervention was entirely appropriate after the girl had hit a baby on the head with a toy brick.


They found a number of inconsistencies in the inspectors' evidence and said they may not have seen the whole incident. The bench found no evidence that Ms Rack tapped or poked the child. A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said its early-years advisers had a duty to raise any concerns that arise from their visits. A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: 'There was sufficient evidence to prosecute and it was in the public interest to put the matter before the court.'


Background: Modern languages degree at the University of Bath, followed by the common professional examination and legal practice course at the College of Law in London. She qualified in 2000 after completing her training contract with an east London firm. After freelancing in London, she joined her current firm in 2002.


Route to the case: 'After Ms Rack became dissatisfied with her original solicitors, she asked around for a new firm and was referred to us.'


Thoughts on the case: 'At first sight this seemed to be a straightforward factual dispute, which my client denied. When we dug deeper, it transpired that there were a number of strange decisions that came to light. It was very challenging to get to the bottom of how the case reached the stage it did. I find it very strange that the prosecution was proceeded with, without the support or knowledge of the child's parents, who continued to send their child to the nursery. The girl's mother gave evidence to the court on Ms Rack's behalf. The best thing about the verdict was that it completely vindicated Ms Rack, which was very satisfying given the possible ramifications for the client.'


Dealings with the media: 'I have not been used to dealing with the media on this scale before - since the verdict, we, particularly the client, have been inundated. There has been very widespread interest from both the local and national media. All have been supportive and sympathetic from the outset.'


Catherine Baksi