Profile description
Francis is a very accomplished advocate with a wide range of solid legal practice experience.
While he was originally called to the Bar in 2007, he first practised as a solicitor and solicitor-advocate with law firms in London, North East, and East Midlands before returning to the bar. He is based in the East Midlands. However, his busy practice takes him to London and nationwide.
Francis undertakes instructions to represent both Claimants and Defendants/Respondents.
Francis has very high service standards. He knows the importance of being flexible to the client's changing circumstances.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Francis trained as a clinical neuropsychologist at Mount Sinai Medical Centre and City University New York. He also practised as a research neuroscientist in Canada and the United States. In addition to publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, Francis presented research results in national and international fora. His last academic appointment (2002) was to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience in the medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Before pursuing an academic career, Francis was recruited to the London Metropolitan Police Service under the Home Office accelerated promotion scheme. He served as an operational police officer for 4 years.
Personal Injury
Francis regularly acts for Claimants and Defendants in personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents, as well as from slipping and tripping accidents (occupiers, public and employer's liability).
Professional Discipline and Regulation
Francis advises and acts for parties in disciplinary proceedings across diverse areas in a variety of tribunals. He has previously advised and acted for regulatory bodies.
Francis brings a particular edge to his advocacy in this area of practice. This is born of his experience presenting cases to the professional conduct panel on behalf of the General Teaching Council (GTC) and the Teaching Agency. He frequently presented cases against teachers involving serious allegations of a sexual and financial nature.
Francis has experience in a number regulatory systems and regimes. He especially accepts instructions to represent professional individuals facing disciplinary and/or regulatory proceedings. These include:
• All healthcare professionals (including medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, social workers, dentists, and pharmacists)
• Legal professionals (barristers, solicitors and members of IlEX)
• Education (teachers and teaching associated employees)
• Police Officers
Francis can provide advice on all aspects of the disciplinary process. He is available to provide representation at interim applications and case management hearings as well as full public hearings.
Inquests
Francis is very experienced appearing in the Coroner’s Court. He has an in depth understanding of the inquest process and the sensitivities that are required. He has vast experience dealing with witnesses summonsed to give evidence and the challenges they often face. Francis has specific experience with inquests into infant deaths.
Francis accepts instructions on behalf of all properly interested parties. He has represented NHS Hospital Trusts and families at inquests throughout the country.
His inquest practice also extends to deaths in nursing and residential care homes, fatal road traffic accidents, and deaths from injuries sustained in the workplace.
Francis has a particular interest in inquests held where Article 2 ECHR is engaged and deaths in police or prison custody and deaths of detained patients in psychiatric hospitals are investigated.
Property
Landlord and Tenant, mortgage possession claims, warrants of execution, and orders for sale.
Costs (detailed and summary assessments)
Francis developed his expertise in this important area when he practised as a solicitor-advocate. He not only has a thorough understanding of the stages in costs proceedings, but has considerable experience preparing points of dispute (PODS), negotiating costs settlements, and the tactics and strategies required.
Francis is very experienced in representing both Claimants and Defendants in detailed assessment hearings. He has appeared in the Senior Court Costs Office in London and at assessment hearings on circuit.
Commercial
Francis is regularly instructed in contract disputes as well as bankruptcy and winding up proceedings. He also regularly advises and represents parties on enforcement of judgments.
Direct Public Access
Francis is authorised by the Bar Council to undertake direct instructions from individuals and organisations.
Education and Professional Qualifications
-Returned to practice at the Independent Bar 2013
-Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Rights of Audience in Civil & Crime) 2012
-Solicitor of the Superior Courts of England & Wales 2010
-Called to the Bar 2007 (Inner Temple)
-Bar Vocational Course (BVC) (Outstanding) Northumbria University 2007
-Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (Distinction) Northumbria University 2006
-PhD (Neuroscience) University of Western Ontario Canada 2002
-PhD (Clinical Neuropsychology) City University of New York 1997
-MSc (Neuroscience) (Distinction) King’s College London 1995
-MA (Psychology) (First) University College Dublin 1990
-BA Hons (Psychology) (First) University College Dublin 1989
Professional Memberships
Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Employment Law Bar Association
Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
Scholarships and Awards in Law
Inner Temple BVC exhibitioner 2006
Inner Temple Poland Prize 2006
Inner Temple Common Professional Exam Scholarship finalist 2005
Personal Interests
Francis is an accomplished musician. He is classically trained on trumpet and also plays bass guitar. He is interested in photography and film.
