Francis completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at University of Sydney, and a Master of Laws (Honours) at University of New South Wales. He previously worked in building and construction law as well as civil litigation, intellectual property law and corporate law.

Francis was drawn to planning and environment and native title issues because of his keen interests in the 21^st century challenges of energy and energy transition, housing, environmental protection and resource extraction.

Outside of work, Francis loves soccer, world politics, music and travel.