Diana’s preparation and communication both before and after hearings is immaculate, very prompt and thorough. Her client care, both towards solicitor and lay client, is attentive and understanding, and her advice is sound and comprehensive.”

The Legal 500 2026, Family: children and domestic abuse

Diana is a specialist family law barrister practising in all areas of children law and domestic abuse.

Her areas of expertise include:

  • Children Private Law
  • Children Public Law
  • Part IV Family Law Act 1996 (domestic abuse)

She is ranked in the Legal 500 as a “Rising Star (Tier 1)” in children and domestic abuse matters.

Diana represents parties at all stages of proceedings in both public and private law matters. She has experience in cases involving a range of issues including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse, intractable contact disputes, relocation, and alienating behaviours.

Diana is regularly instructed in complex and multi-week cases, often appearing against significantly more senior counsel. Instructing solicitors describe her as a tenacious advocate, and praise her for her immaculate case preparation.

Known for her approachable manner, Diana is particularly skilled in supporting vulnerable clients, providing compassionate but robust advice tailored to their unique circumstances. She has completed the FLBA Vulnerable Witness Training.

Directory Quotes

Diana’s preparation and communication both before and after hearings is immaculate, very prompt and thorough.  Her client care, both towards solicitor and lay client, is attentive and understanding, and her advice is sound and comprehensive.”

The Legal 500 2026, Family: Children and Domestic Abuse

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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:

    • 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:

    Prior to joining the Bar, Diana volunteered at her university’s Human Rights Implementation Centre, focusing her research on the rights of transgender children both nationally and internationally. She also volunteered with her university’s pro bono law clinic for several years, and with The Innocence Project.

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

    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.