In a competitive industry he managed to straddle the line between being fully committed to his clients whilst at the same time being respected and admired by all those he worked with. Steely but friendly. Focussed yet warm. He was diligent and very hard working, an excellent lawyer and a first class advocate. He treated everyone the same. Above all he was humble, approachable and loyal. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was generous of spirit. He is a massive loss to chambers and to the profession.
Away from work he enjoyed the cinema and had a wide knowledge of films. He was for many years a member of the British Film Institute. He had a passion for playing and watching football. He had played semi-professional football in his youth. He was a first class defender in every sense of the word. On the football field he played in the style of “Franco Baresi”.
Franco was one of the founding members of Farringdon Chambers. There is no doubt that his drive and energy were a significant contributing factor to our survival in the difficult early days. He had a foot in every camp and had an uncanny knack of heading trouble off at the pass.
Franco was devoted to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
Chambers has received a number of messages following Franco’s death. The common thread has been to observe that he was a “True Gentleman”. He was. That is his legacy and how we will remember him.
