Francesca has been a qualified Solicitor for almost 2.5 years. Prior to that, she was a Paralegal at the firm between January 2016 and September 2018 and a Trainee Solicitor between September 2018 and September 2020 whilst studying for her LLM LPC part-time.
She represents a variety of clients in private and public law proceedings and in divorce matters.
Francesca has recently passed her exams and is now a specialist Accredited Resolution panel member.
BA Hons Sociology – 2011 to 2014
Graduate Diploma in Law – 2014 to 2015
LLM Legal Practice (Solicitors) Distinction – 2018 to 2020
Public Law Proceedings
- Pre-Proceedings – representing and advising clients during the pre-proceeding process which involves attending public law outline meetings
- Care proceedings - acting for the Local Authority, parents, and interveners (such as family members)
- Special Guardianship Orders
Private Law Family Proceedings
Divorce and Financial
Domestic Abuse & Injunctions
Qualified as a Solicitor in September 2020
Specialist Accredited Resolution panel member
- Assisting a mother with discharge of a Care Order following 18 months of sobriety after 20+ years as an alcoholic.
- Representing a mother in care proceedings and successfully opposing the LA care plan for placement of child abroad. Concerns regarding significant and long-standing domestic abuse, alcohol use and mental health. A psychiatric assessment was undertaken during the proceedings however the client had significant concerns about the expert and the outcome of the same so an application was made for further assessment which was granted.
- Representing a father in care proceedings and successfully opposing the LA care plan for interim removal on the basis that the family had not been offered any support from the LA prior to proceedings. Parents engaged with support leading to all children remaining in their care.
- Representing a special guardian in respect of an application for contact by the birth mother. Successfully opposing any increase or variation in contact.
- Representing an elderly father in care proceedings and successfully opposing the LA care plan for removal of the children heard in FDAC. Concerns regarding mother’s significant drug use and both parents’ mental health difficulties. Including proposing a full plan of support for the father and providing a high level of emotional support throughout the proceedings.
- Representing a mother with learning difficulties in care proceedings and successfully opposing the LA care plan for placement of the children with MGM. Seeking a further parenting assessment following the completion of work regarding domestic abuse which recommended the children remain in mother’s care.
- Representing a mother in respect of an application for contact by the father. Largely agreeing matters ahead of the DRA through negotiation with the other side to avoid a contested final hearing.
