A dual-qualified barrister at the English and Irish Bar, Dee Smythe has extensive experience in family and criminal law, as well as other aspects of civil law. 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.
My approach
Dee accepts instructions from both solicitors and members of the public. She adopts a balanced approach, representing both claimants and respondents, victims and defendants. She regularly appears in the County Courts, Family Courts and Magistrates’ Courts, as well as attending the High Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. Dee was part of the legal team at the first-ever televised hearing at the Supreme Court in Ireland in which they won their historic case by a majority ruling.
With an empathetic approach, Dee speaks on behalf of those who may not be able to articulate themselves, including those with a disability and mental health issues. She fights on her client’s behalf to get the best possible case outcome. Dee has a unique understanding of the social care system, legal system and prison service and adopts a holistic approach to helping her clients resolve their cases. Dee says, “As a Barrister, I listen to what my clients have to say. I act as I would want to be represented, with respect, warmth and sincerity.”
My work
Dee’s legal career began as a Child Protection Officer and a Children’s Rights Advocate. She visited a number of Disabled Children’s Homes to ensure their environment was safe and that proper education was provided.Dee's busy family law practice includes 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 condidate 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
About me
Beyond her interest in the law, Dee enjoys martial arts and once represented Northern Ireland at the European Championships in Judo. She is a Director of a not-for-profit Community Housing Company. Dee also works with serious risk offenders in hostels, working with them on their sentence plans and helping to rehabilitate them back into the community.
What my clients say
"Dee quickly got to grips with my papers, formed an insightful view of the situation and set about putting me at ease. Dee's ability at the hearing was very impressive. She was calm and collected and negotiated really well with the other side. She really cares and really wanted the best for me and my daughter."
"Dee truly excelled in dedication, care and involvement. She is an articulate barrister who quickly got to the core of the issues relating to my complex protracted child proceedings. She has genuine care and will take time to listen to your concerns and advise you accordingly. I am truly grateful for all the advice she has given which has been extremely valuable and has helped enormously in achieving the best outcome of this case so far."
"Dee Smythe went above and beyond to represent me in court, often working out of hours to complete the work, she was considerate and very understanding, her wealth of knowledge was invaluable towards my case. I would recommend Dee to anyone who needs representation to work with compassion and dedication up to the final hour. "
"I instructed Dee Smythe on my family law matter, which had been going on for years. Dee worked on a few of my hearings before helping finalise the final hearing helping me fight to keep my child safe.
Dee is a friendly spoken woman who listens to everything you say, she is extremely honest and tells you exactly where the faults are in your case.Dee will go into court and fight your corner.
If your wanting a straight talking ,honest, passionate Irish woman then Dee is your perfect barrister..I would definitely use Dee again and recommend her to others.."
Professional & academic
Professional Memberships
- Family Law Committee
- Midland Women’s Forum
- Women in Criminal Law
Qualifications
- Call to the Bar 2016:
Supreme Court of Ireland - Barrister at Law degree:
Kings Inn, Dublin -Part time - LLM International Human Rights:
Birmingham City University-Part-time - Call to the Bar 2011:
Lincoln’s Inn - 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
Post bar qualifications
- Certificate from Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- ADR Civil and Commercial Mediation