Diana is absolutely fantastic! She is tenacious, diligent, passionate, but above all very caring to the client and that is very important in our industry!”

Partner, KJ Smith Solicitors, Family Law

Diana specialises in all areas of family law relating to children, including both private and public law proceedings.

Children (Private Law)

Diana is regularly instructed in protracted and intricate private law matters. She appears across all stages of proceedings, from FHDRAs through to final hearings, as well as at fact findings and enforcement hearings.

Diana has significant experience in representing parties in cases involving serious allegations of domestic abuse, substance abuse, mental health issues, parental alienation and implacable hostility. She is also used to dealing with cases that have, or develop, a public law element.

Diana has a particular interest in cases involving complex allegations of domestic abuse, her advocacy in such matters being described as “insightful and powerful” by those instructing her. She has given a talk for the Mexican Consulate on the law regarding domestic abuse, and has translated guidance documents into Spanish on the same.

Children (Public Law)

Diana has a busy public law practice and represents children, parents, and local authorities. She regularly acts in cases where allegations of neglect, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, mental health issues, and drug/alcohol abuse have been made.

Diana has successfully completed the FLBA vulnerable witness training. She is often instructed to represent vulnerable clients, including those with cognitive difficulties who require an intermediary.

Diana takes a keen interest in cases with elements of gender-based violence. She has previously volunteered with Lawyers Without Borders to help train Namibian judiciary and police on addressing gender-based violence in their communities. Her LLM dissertation critically analysed the extent to which family courts can effectively protect potential child victims of FGM, including those with precarious immigration status.

Domestic Abuse and Injunctions

Diana acts for both applicants and respondents in Family Law Act 1996 proceedings, having extensive experience of applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Diana also advises on how such orders can impact upon ongoing or imminent Children Act  proceedings.

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Client Quotes

Diana is absolutely fantastic! She is tenacious, diligent, passionate, but above all very caring to the client and that is very important in our industry!”

Partner, KJ Smith Solicitors

Diana’s advocacy is insightful and powerful when dealing with issues of domestic abuse.”

Mark Sage, Director, The Family Law Practice

Diana was instructed at short notice in a tricky case and hit the ground running immediately. She demonstrated a full grasp of the issues and a confidence with the client which was impressive. I would not hesitate to use Diana again.”

David Kendall, Partner, Wollens

I regularly instruct Diana and I have been impressed by her thorough preparation and competence. Diana is very approachable and has a compassionate and empathetic attitude towards vulnerable clients, which makes them feel reassured and in safe hands.”

Clizia Motterle, Senior Associate, RWK Goodman

Diana was brilliant. Her kindness and empathy were so appreciated. She does what she does with such confidence and calmness, and you have no doubt she is doing her absolute best for you.”

Client

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  • Qualifications & awards:

    • University of Bristol – LLB
    • BPP University, Bristol – LLM (Legal Practice) Barristers
    • Dean’s Commendation – University of Bristol
    • Full Exhibition Award BPTC Scholarship – The Inner Temple
    • Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Award – The Inner Temple
    • BPTC Excellence Award – BPP University, Bristol
    • BPTC Advocacy Scholarship – BPP University, Bristol
    • Joint highest mark for Civil Advocacy across all BPP University centres

  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Western Circuit
    • Inner Temple

  • Additional information:

    Coming from a BAME background, Diana is a keen advocate for increasing diversity at the Bar. She takes part in various mentoring programmes and gives talks to encourage this.

    During her studies, Diana volunteered at her university’s Human Rights Implementation Centre. She helped produce a report for a government consultation on the rights of transgender children in the UK, undertaking a comparative analysis of the law on transition among various international jurisdictions. Diana also volunteered with her university’s pro bono law clinic for several years, as well as with the Innocence Project.

    Diana is a contributor to the Family Law Week website.

    Languages: Spanish (fluent) and Italian (conversational)

     

  • Diana M. Panizzon-Pineda is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.