Stefano is experienced in all areas of the law relating to children at all levels of Court up to and including the House of Lords. He has been recognised for the quality of his preparation and Court room performance.
Public Law
He regularly appears for all parties in complex and lengthy public law child care proceedings in the High Court involving child death, serious physical injury, sexualised abuse and emotional harm.
He regularly appears for all parties in complex and lengthy public law child care proceedings in the High Court involving child death, serious physical injury, sexualised abuse and emotional harm.
Private Law
Within the private law sphere Stefano regularly advises on issues ranging from residence and contact to internal and international relocations and child abduction. Where pre-hearing advice and negotiation fails to bring about sought after compromise he is a determined advocate. He has successfully appeared against Leading Counsel in contact, residence and re-location cases. He has experience in the most complex of contested cases including those involving the cross examination of children.
Recommendations
“We found him to be extremely reassuring, disarmingly calm and highly strategic.“ “Stefano is confident, approachable, hugely intelligent. He is the consummate all-round advocate.” “Stefano is a robust and compelling advocate and known for his meticulous preparation of cases.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Stefano is a skilled and persuasive advocate who is calm under pressure and known for his meticulous preparation. He is very approachable and excels at putting clients at their ease.”
Legal 500 2023
“He’s very conscientious with an eye for detail, yet a light touch.”
Chambers UK 2022
“Stefano is a breeze to work with. His communications skills are excellent. He keeps in regular contact with me and my legal assistant and provides clear, easy to follow advice and guidance.”
Legal 500 2022
“Impressive on his feet, as well as excellent in negotiation, offering practical and sensible advice.”
Legal 500 2021
“He’s very committed, and is also a pleasant opponent.” “He’s well regarded in both public and private child law.”
Chambers UK 2020
“He has the gravitas to carry a case combined with the people skills to carry the client.”
Legal 500 2020
Notable Cases
M v DCC [2018] EWHC 3734 (Fam)
Wolverhampton City Council v JA and Ors [2017] EWFC 62
Birmingham City Council v SK [2016] EWHC 310 (Fam)
Birmingham City Council v Sarfraz Riaz and Others [2014] EWHC 4247 (Fam)
Re J (A Child) [2009] EWCA Civ 1210
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council v GC and HC and X and MMC [2008]
EWHC 2555 (Fam)
RE S (A child) [2008] EWCA Civ 1140
Re F (A child) [2008] EWCA Civ 218
Evans v Amicus [2003] EWHC 2161 (Fam)
Re S and Ors; Re W and Ors Sub nom Re W and B [2002] UKHL 10
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Qualifications
LLB (Hons) Queen Mary College University of London
MA (Medical Law and Ethics) Kings College University of London
