Essex law firm promotes family law specialist to Associate

Francesca Cozens, a member of Birkett Long’s South Essex Divorce and Family Team based in the Chelmsford office, has been promoted to Associate.

Francesca, 38, studied at Warwick University and has been qualified for over 10 years. She has always wanted to help people, believing that as a family solicitor she can make a difference to people’s lives.

On her promotion, Fran said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as an Associate at Birkett Long, it is a forward thinking firm and I am excited for my career to progress here.”

Francesca deals with all aspects of family law, is an accredited specialist by both the Law Society and Resolution for finances and children. She is a qualified Collaborative Lawyer which demonstrates a commitment to dealing with matters differently. During a collaborative process, everyone (including the lawyers) signs an agreement that they will not go to court, but will sit round a table and work together to find a solution that works best for that particular family. Francesca said: “This is a bespoke outcome which tends to result in better communication and relations moving forward.” She is also developing her practice to look at alternate dispute resolution.

She said: “I meet our clients at one of the most difficult points in their lives. Even if it is their decision to end a relationship, there is a ripple effect on the whole family. My role is to help clients navigate through the difficult waters and help them plan for their and their family’s future.”

Francesca, who also works within the community, is a governor at St Margaret’s School in Toppesfield. She said: “I am the Link Governor, which means I arrange the training for the board. I am the Local Authority representative and the Pupil Premium Governor, sitting on the Pupil Progress Committee.”

Lisa Collins, Partner and Head of the Divorce and Family Team in South Essex, said: “I am delighted with Francesca’s promotion to Associate; Fran is an excellent family lawyer and is highly regarded by all her clients and colleagues. This promotion is recognition of Fran’s dedication and commitment to the firm, as well as its clients. It is well deserved and I am looking forward to what the future holds for Fran at Birkett Long.”