Francis Howard
picture_as_pdf Year of Call:
2006
“Francis is very reliable and can pick up complex cases at very short notice. Francis has obtained very good outcomes on behalf of our clients. Francis has shown his ability to handle complex points of law. Francis is able to manage the expectations of our clients, and he has shown that he has extensive experience in this field. He has a great combination of intellect, attention to detail and persistence, with a focused approach and he is a pleasure to deal with. On instructing Francis he has proved to be very practical and has managed to identify and prioritise all issues. Finally, Francis has an excellent manner with our clients, and this is a very important factor for our firm.”
– Thompsons Solicitors
“I have been very impressed with Mr Howard’s representation of our firm’s clients and the results he has managed to achieve for them. He displayed an excellent and enthusiastic attitude at all times despite regularly having to accept instructions at short notice.”
– Joseph Hill and Co
“Francis he is approachable, hardworking, and thorough.”
– Blackfords
“I have always found his advice reliable, and I take comfort in the knowledge that whatever case he is briefed on is in very capable hands. He is clearly an exceptional advocate, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in future.”
– Montague Solicitors
“Francis is a very thorough, concise, coherent and precise in his advice and goes through the Prosecution evidence with the clients, taking instructions. His assessment of evidence is excellent, and the clients were able to follow and understand the strength and weaknesses of the case against them. Francis was able to deal with the matters so brilliantly that not only has he secured excellent results for the clients, the clients commended the firm on his performance and brilliance. His brilliance was such that one client has personally requested that he be instructed for his trial hearing.”
– Malcolm and Co
“He is very hard working and has a distinct ability to build rapport very quickly with clients.”
– Malcolm and Co
Francis Howard is a criminal defence specialist representing clients locally and nationally. He is regarded as a dedicated barrister who achieves the best possible outcome when defending clients and has a reputation for providing high quality advocacy, advice and representation, covering the full spectrum of criminal offences.
Notably, Francis has expertise in robustly defending allegations of serious crime, violence, drugs and sexual offences, his practise covers all levels of the criminal justice system. He also has a great deal of experience in matters involving serious violence and assault, with considerable success in dealing with section 18 and above offences.
With over 20 years’ experience of criminal defence work, Francis has developed a particular speciality in representing clients who face allegations under the sexual offence acts, including possession of indecent images (where he is used to working with experts), sexual assault, grooming and rape and especially, in-relationship rape. He also has experience in dealing with young and vulnerable defendants and also defendants such as teachers, social workers, doctors and dentists, who may face historical sexual abuse claims. Francis exclusively defends.
Francis is an experienced advocate in court – though another important aspect of his practise is working with the professional client on case preparation and management, particularly in complex cases. He is an astute advisor to people, and he recognises the anxiety and stress that can be caused to defendants who face allegations. He works hard to help clients navigate extremely difficult circumstances successfully and fights in court. He is particularly sensitive to the communication needs of defendants on remand.
Francis always has in mind getting the best outcome for the particular solicitor he works with, and enjoys working with people and clients from all walks of life. He is committed to using the legal system to fight injustice against individuals or groups.
He is very competent and tries to be well prepared; happy to discuss tactics with those who instruct him. He welcomes late instructions and last-minute advocacy.
At all times Francis strives to be incisive, offering the highest standard of client care and seeking to elevate each and every, common or garden matter and interaction and experience, with the client, to their full satisfaction.
He enjoys jury advocacy and his cross examination and closing speeches are of the highest standard. He fights fiercely for his clients.
Francis trained with the sexual offences specialist practise and was part of the defence team at notorious prosecutions including Operation Pallial, a series of linked prosecutions concerning North Wales care homes. Before coming to the criminal law, Francis worked in public and regulatory affairs in London and Brussels for business.
He was called to the Bar in 2006 and was also a Solicitor and Solicitor-Advocate.
Qualifications
• BA (Hons) Politics and Modern History, University of Manchester
• Graduate Diploma in Law, MMU
• Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent) MMU
• LLM, Costs, MMU
• Legal Practice Course, College of Law
• Solicitor-Advocate, College of Law
• Magistrates Court, Duty Accredited, Cardiff University
• Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice
Memberships
• The Honourable Society of Middle Temple
• Criminal Bar Association
