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Francesca Massarella
Barrister
Francesca specialises in children law, acting in both public and private law matters.
Instructing solicitors have been impressed by Francesca’s diligent attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond for her clients. She is always calm and composed, which lends itself well to dealing with the highly emotive nature of all family law work, particularly when lay clients are distressed. Her amenable attitude allows her to quickly build an effective rapport with clients, other advocates and judges alike to find practical solutions.
Francesca is also committed to diversity and social mobility which means that she has a great deal of experience working with those from underrepresented groups, understands the struggles that such people can face, and is a strong advocate in court when it comes to ensuring that clients from all backgrounds can feel heard and are able to fully argue their case.
As part of her personal interests, Francesca is committed to promoting access to the Bar and has been involved in several projects in this regard such as the ‘Leeds Mooting in Schools’ initiative, Leeds University Mentoring Programme and the newly-established Lawyers Who Care initiative.
Public Law Children
Francesca has established a practice in child-protection work, accepting instructions from both Local Authorities and solicitors acting for parents and children in matters involving substance misuse, neglect, mental health issues, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
She has a keen interest in representing clients who are vulnerable due to their mental health or additional learning needs and has often been commended for her ability to calmly navigate such clients through the very difficult and distressing waters of family law proceedings. Francesca’s knowledge of what support such clients will require and are entitled to is exemplary, with her being a champion for clients in terms of ensuring that they have a fair hearing and are given every opportunity to learn, grow and be able to safely parent their children.
Private Law Children
Francesca is frequently instructed in private law matters, including complex findings of fact hearings involving numerous allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour. Francesca’s attention to detail and forensic approach in analysing and considering the evidence in her cases makes her ideal for such hearings.
Mental Health and Community Care
Francesca is eager to develop her practice acting for vulnerable clients in Mental Health Tribunals for those detained under the Mental Health Act. She welcomes instruction in this area.
Inquests
Francesca has a keen interest in expanding her practice to include inquest work and welcomes instruction in this area.
- Middle Temple
- Family Law Bar Association
- University of Leeds, LLB(Hons), First Class, 2020
- BPP Leeds, BTC, Very Competent, 2021