Profile

Francis was called to the Bar in 2007 at the Inner Temple.  He practised first as a solicitor and then as a solicitor-advocate before returning to the Bar in 2013.  He has a broad and diverse range of legal practice experience gained through working for several law firms in London, the Northeast, and the East Midlands, as well as at a Nationwide Chambers.

Francis’ diverse and wide-ranging practice makes him extremely versatile, both as an adviser and advocate.  He is equally comfortable bringing and defending claims and applications and receives instructions to represent both the Claimant/Applicant and the Defendant/Respondent alike.  He employs a forensic approach and frequently brings his expertise in neuroscience and psychology to his instructions.  Francis prides himself on being approachable and giving sound, practical advice. He is particularly sought after where sensitivity and understanding are required by solicitors and lay clients alike.  Francis is a tenacious advocate who always strives to be clear, concise, and pragmatic in his approach.

Francis is authorised by the Bar Standards Board (“BSB”) to undertake direct instructions from individuals and organisations.  He is also authorised by the BSB to conduct litigation.  He has a growing practice in this area and represents individuals and companies in his areas of practice.

Francis also has an active pro-bono practice and assists the Bar Pro-Bono Unit in London with their ever-increasing caseload.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Francis trained as a clinical neuropsychologist and neuroscientist at several internationally renowned research centres.  These include the Institute of Psychiatry (King’s College, London), Mount Sinai Medical Centre (New York), the Robarts Research Institute (London Ontario, Canada) and the ATR Human Information Processing Research Laboratory (Kyoto, Japan). He has been the recipient of many scholarships and fellowships throughout his career.  His last faculty appointment was to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience in the Medical School at Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan.

In addition to publications in international peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, Francis has presented research papers at national and international conferences in London, New York, and Los Angeles.

Before undertaking his career in the neurosciences, Francis was recruited by the London Metropolitan Police Service.  He served as an operational police officer and undertook general and specialist work.