Carol Mashembo
Call 1999 – Lincolns Inn
Recognised in the Legal 500
Chambers is delighted to congratulate Carol Mashembo on her ranking as a leading individual on the Western Circuit by the Legal 500 in both Child Law and Financial Remedies. Carol is praised for her ‘good affinity with clients, gives clear and firm advice. Clients find her pleasant to work with. Excellent preparation and analysis of facts, issues and law. Detailed and precise presentation in court. Always prepared to go the extra yards to get the case right.’
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.
Working with the Personal Support Unit in Exeter, Carol was and still is instrumental in setting up and running the highly successful Exeter Family Court Clinic. Carol is also an active member on the committee for the Western Circuit Women‘s Forum who boast a highly successful event on International Women’s Day 2019.
Recommendations
“Thanks again for your quality of service… the guidance you gave on the relevant legal issue was a game changer. The case summary and how you delivered it was so compelling, it just didn’t leave the judge any room for confusion”.
“‘An expert in her field.” Legal 500, Family and Children law (2019)
“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)
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.