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.
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.
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
Deirdre was a Clerk to School Appeals and she provided legal Advice to the Panel making decisions.
Dee has also successfully appealed School admissions and exclusions on behalf of parents. She
has successfully challenged local authority assessments regarding children with special
needs. Dee worked as a support Assistant in a children’s home with special needs and complex
disabilities.
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
"The time Dee spent and gave to me was invaluable and of paramount importance to my case. Thank you Dee, you truly are an asset to your work!"
"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."
"Deirdre Smythe was an excellent counsel. She is brilliant. She spent hours in the phone to understand my case. Although she didn’t have much time she did her very best and I was happy with the outcome."
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