Deirdre Smyth

Children matters (Care, Adoption, Protection and Child Arrangement Orders), All aspects of Local Authority proceedings, Injunctive proceedings before the family courts (contested non-molestation and occupation order applications), private law hearings, including domestic violence, harassment and children matters. She also represents clients in public law matters (care proceedings).

Prior to joining the Bar, Deirdre was a children’s rights advocate, obtaining Criminal Injuries Compensation for young people in care. She has a background in social work and child protection.

Dee's busy family law practice encompasses the following areas:

•  Children matters (Care, Adoption, Protection and Child Arrangement Orders)
•  All aspects of Local Authority proceedings
• Injunctive proceedings before the family courts (contested non-molestation and occupation order applications)

Dee has experience of representing both parents and local authorities on child protection matters. Her background in local authority child protection work makes her an ideal candidate for instructions on cases featuring heavy social services involvement. In her current practice, she represents clients in all private law hearings, including domestic violence, harassment and children matters. She also represents clients in public law matters (care proceedings).

Reported cases

•  Court of Appeal: Re S (A Child) 2016 EWCA Civ 495

• Supreme Court of Ireland: Re J.G.H v Residential Institutions Review Committee and Anor 2017 IESC 69

Testimonials

"I was put in touch with Dee Smythe, and straight from the first telephone call I trusted her. She today has gone above and beyond for my son, from being told that his case had been adjourned, she went all out to make it happen, absolute heaven-sent angel. I went home with my family today and I am so very grateful. Please if you ever find the need to get yourself a barrister, get yourself a great one and instruct Dee Smythe, her determination, professionalism, and knowledge is overwhelmingly reassuring. Thankyou so very much Dee."

- S.B (Crown Court Defence)

"Deirdre Smythe was recently instructed to represent me in family court. She showed both empathy and confidence throughout the build up of proceedings, taking time to listen & understand past experiences. Without her help in creating the bundle for court & her expertise in court orders, we would not have secured this outcome for our family. She was confident & concise in the court room & a real help to all involved. Dee, I cannot thank you enough."

- N.K

"I wish there were more stars to rate Dee as my Barrister. Caring, understanding, compassionate are 3 of the many qualities Dee has outside of the usual qualities a barrister would have. As a barrister, Dee was knowledgeable, efficient, her attention to detail was outstanding, going above and beyond for me, with her advice and help. Within the court setting, Dee put me at ease, made sure I was going into the hearing with a good understanding of all potential outcomes, there was also a plan in place for each eventuality. There are no words to explain how Dee helped me, and what I would have done without her help. If you're looking for a Barrister to go beyond your expectations, Dee is the one!"

- G.J

•  Called to the Bar in 2018
•  Call to the Bar 2016: Supreme Court of Ireland
•  Call to the Bar 2011: Lincoln’s Inn
•  Barrister at Law degree: Kings Inn, Dublin - Part time
•  LLM International Human Rights:
  
• Birmingham City University-Part-time
•  Bar Vocational Course: Inns of Court School of Law-Part-time
•  LLB (Hons): Wolverhampton University- Part-time
•  BA (Joint Honours) in American and Political Science Studies:
  
• University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
•  Certificate from Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
•  ADR Civil and Commercial Mediation
•  Family Law Committee
•  Midland Women’s Forum
•  Women in Criminal Law