Francis Bacon

Year of call: 1988

Specialist areas: professional negligence, commercial litigation, regulatory & disciplinary, insurance

Education: Gray's Inn Karmel Commercial Scholar; Keele University BA Hons Law and Economics; Loughborough University MSC Recreation Management

Appointments: Recorder 2004

Publications and lectures: Francis lectures to solicitors, insurers, brokers and underwriters on a wide range of subjects.

• Halliwells v NES v Quinn [2011] EWHC Ch Acting for Quinn in £1.5m undertaking claim against NES solicitors. Francis's own declinature of coverage upheld on grounds of dishonesty and condonation of dishonesty by both partners and on basis that undertaking was not given in solicitorial capacity.

• Harris v. Kingsley Napley [2011] Defending Kingsley Napley in substantial claim relating to alleged negligent advice in relation to stamp duty land tax saving scheme.

• Nationwide v. Browne Jacobson LLP Defending Browne Jacobson in £7m lender claim.

• Al-Hamrani v. JP Morgan and Others [2009] Royal Court of Jersey. Acted successfully for Ladies Al-Hamrani in $100 million breach of trust litigation.

Francis is recognised as one of the leading commercial juniors in professional negligence, having been ranked by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for many years.

"...highly rated for his coverage work and his expertise on cases involving dishonesty. His 'perceptive and sensible advice' is always well received by his satisfied clients." Chambers UK 2012

"He is known for his impressive courtroom approach, and 'if you want someone robust in court he's brilliant'." Chambers UK 2011

"Francis Bacon's practice continues to flourish and he is acknowledged as a terrifically able junior. He has enjoyed a busy year, handling a number of substantial cases, such as acting for Quinn and representing a significant number of firms in the CLE litigation. He is tipped for great things." Chambers UK 2010

" 'a safe pair of hands' " Legal 500 2008

"Junior Francis Bacon's practice has been expanding rapidly to the point where he is now appearing against silks on his own rather than being led." Chambers UK 2008