Carol Mashembo

Call 1999

The Legal 500 - The Clients Guide to Law Firms Recognised in the Legal 500
Carol is a specialist family barrister representing clients at all levels of court, in all matters of family finance including ToLATA & Schedule 1 applications, and private law children. She has experience of cases involving same sex families and is fast becoming recognised as one of the Western Circuit’s specialists in this area.

‘Public Access’ trained, Carol is also qualified to accept instructions, in appropriate cases, directly from clients to provide legal advice, representation and advocacy.

Background

Carol graduated from Exeter University with a first class honours degree and prize for best graduating student. Following completion of her PG Dip. Law and BVC at the Inns of Court School of Law London, Carol commenced a 12 month pupilage with 2 Kings Bench Walk in Plymouth where she was subsequently taken on as a tenant. After ten successful years of practicing in Plymouth, Carol moved to Bristol to practice from St John’s Chambers for 6 years, before joining Magdalen Chambers in October 2016.

Recommendations

 "She is a no nonsense, approachable, effective advocate, who clearly devotes time to her preparation." "Carol’s attention to detail and expert handling of tricky cases is her strength." UK Chambers and Partners (2017)
 “Experienced in cases involving same-sex families.” Legal 500, Family and children law (2017)
 "Good at looking at the wider picture, being pragmatic and finding the best solution for clients." "Extremely impressive – she’s strong, sensible and very insightful. Her advice on when to fight and when not to fight undoubtedly helped the client enormously." UK Chambers and Partners (2016)
 “Carol strikes a good balance between empathy with the client and ruthless pragmatism.” Legal 500, Family and children law (2016)
 “Carol acts in separation cases concerning financial misconduct and has considerable experience of working with litigants in person. ‘She gives really sound, practical advice. She is always on hand to answer your questions.’ ” Chambers UK, Family/Matrimonial (2016)
 “Carol is well regarded in both private law children cases and financial remedy matters.” Legal 500, Family and Children law (2015)
 “Carol is acknowledged for her expertise in financial resolutions and children’s issues within family law. She draws praise from instructing solicitors for her user-friendly approach. ‘She is a hands-on barrister who gives sensible and practical advice.’” Chambers UK, Family/Matrimonial (2015)
 “Carol is well regarded in both private law children cases and financial remedy matters.” Legal 500, Family and Children law (2015)

Family - Children (Private Law)

Carol undertakes all private law children cases and is frequently instructed in child arrangement order cases. She is experienced in complex finding of fact matters, accepting instructions involving allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, grandparent applications and expert evidence. She has particular expertise in representing clients with learning difficulties and/or vulnerabilities, and deals with financial applications for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. She is also regularly instructed in injunctions and related applications under the Family Law Act 1996.

Family Finance and Tolata

Carol is widely acknowledged for her expertise in financial cases and is frequently instructed in financial relief claims at all levels, values and complexity. She has vast experience of cases involving litigation and financial misconduct, along with cases involving concurrent confiscation proceedings. Often instructed to undertake interim maintenance and section 37 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 applications, she is a steadfast hand, helping guide lawyers and clients alike. Carol also acts / advises in relation to enforcement proceedings.

Regularly undertaking ToLATA proceedings and frequently advising / drafting pleadings, Carol is admired for her polished advocacy skills and brilliant attention to detail and thoroughness. She has successfully appeared in the Court of Appeal on such matters, and regularly lectures on these topics.

Recent cases

Represented a wife in a complex high-value financial relief case involving issues of pre-acquired wealth and contributions in a short marriage.
Represented a wife in an ancillary relief case concerning international properties and criminal conduct of the husband – concurrent confiscation proceedings.
Represented a wife in a financial relief case involving financial misconduct of the husband.
Representing a client in a TOLATA application brought by his former cohabitee.
Advising a client in enforcement proceedings for maintenance arrears.

Recommendations