Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2008
'Dan is an excellent advocate and always deals with the cases to a high standard and his knowledge and experience is second to none.'
Chambers UK Bar 2026
Daniel Sheridan is a specialist in complex private law children matters.
Daniel is a highly experienced child law specialist with a strong reputation in both public and private law proceedings. His calm, strategic advocacy and ability to grasp complex issues quickly have earned him appearances up to the Court of Appeal. He is particularly sought after in private law children cases involving intractable contact disputes, allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation, and proceedings with international dimensions.
Having developed substantial expertise in factually and legally challenging public law cases—including non-accidental injuries and fabricated illness—Daniel brings a forensic approach and depth of insight to private law disputes. He is frequently instructed to act for children directly and is trusted for his ability to distil what matters most to the court: the child’s welfare.
Solicitors value Daniel’s collaborative style, responsiveness, and clear, solution-focused advice. He welcomes enquiries from solicitors seeking thoughtful and robust representation in complex or high-conflict private law matters. Daniel’s emphasis, in working with you, is to get it right, at first instance, understanding the devastation that delay can cause to children and families.
In addition to practice, Daniel is an elected member of the Bar Council and serves on its Equality, Diversity, and Social Mobility Committee. He is also a committed advocacy trainer for the Inner Temple, mentoring the next generation of barristers.
To instruct Daniel or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Daniel welcomes instructions from private law children solicitors seeking clear, strategic, and child-focused representation. Whether the case involves complex child arrangements, allegations of domestic abuse, or intricate findings of fact, he offers a practical and compassionate approach to guiding families through the often emotionally charged Family Court process.
Daniel acts for the full range of parties involved in private law children proceedings and he is committed to delivering focused, outcome-driven support tailored to each client’s needs. He always welcomes an initial discussion about you or your client’s specific needs, mindful of the anxieties that often occur before hearings, or indeed any private law litigation.
Client testimonial
“I have had the pleasure of Daniel representing myself in a very complex case in regard to my childcare proceedings. My case had numerous, complicated issues and stemmed from my children being alienated from myself and numerous frustrations with professional bodies.
Daniel is incredibly knowledgeable within his practice, is client led with genuine care and passion for the right results for his client. The courts and legal systems are very complex, and Daniel is incredible at explaining the processes whilst making sure his clients fully understand what is going on. I am not exaggerating when I say Daniel’s representation for myself in a fact find case and representation within proceedings saved my life with my children, my son is now within my care and my daughter is getting the help and support she deserves, Daniel played a huge part of achieving this. Without doubt I would recommend Daniel and his excellent practice.” James Wright, private law children client.
Public Law Children & Care Proceedings
Daniel has an extensive experience in public law proceedings and regularly handles cases that are both factually complex and legally challenging. He welcomes instructions from public law children solicitors and has represented clients in care and other public law matters at all levels, including the Court of Appeal.
Daniel’s practice includes cases involving PPI applications, serious non-accidental injuries, fabricated or induced illness, and proceedings with international elements. He is known for providing clear, pragmatic advice and offering tenacious, thoughtful advocacy.
Daniel acts for a wide range of clients, including children (through their guardians), parents, local authorities, and intervenors such as extended family members, hospital trusts, and police forces. He takes a collaborative approach and pays close attention to the detail, which makes him a reliable choice for solicitors looking for expert representation in complex public law children cases.
Client testimonial
“I have had the pleasure of working with Daniel Sheridan on a number of complex cases, and he consistently demonstrates an exceptional depth of legal knowledge and an impressive commitment to case preparation. Daniel is meticulous in his approach, ensuring that every detail is fully considered. Daniel’s approach to working with vulnerable clients is one of his standout qualities. His empathy, patience, and ability to communicate complex legal issues in a way that clients can understand make him particularly effective in these cases. He is highly respected for his calm and reassuring manner, and he goes the extra mile to make clients feel supported.” Sean Harrison, Solicitor, Simpson Millar.
A case involving alleged perplexing presentations and medically unexplained symptoms. Findings that the mother had, over a number of years, subjected the children to unnecessary medical investigations by repeatedly reporting serious, but largely unsubstantiated, medical conditions. As a consequence, the children came to believe that they were unwell despite there being no established organic basis for many of the reported conditions.
Appeal by parents against findings of fact in care proceedings, relating to cause of injuries to child.
Care proceedings concerning three children of deaf parents, issued following concerns regarding parenting capacity.
Appeal by mother against a care order made in respect of her 9 month-old son.
Daniel has extensive experience in public law proceedings, regularly dealing with cases that are both factually complex and legally challenging. He welcomes instructions on a direct access basis in suitable public law and private law children matters.
Daniel’s practice covers a broad range of issues, including PPI applications, serious non-accidental injuries, fabricated or induced illness, and cases with international elements. He provides clear, pragmatic advice and focused advocacy, tailored to the individual needs of each case.
He represents children (through their guardians), parents, local authorities, and intervenors such as extended family members, hospital trusts, and police forces. In private law, Daniel works with clients navigating difficult child arrangements, findings of fact, and sensitive allegations. His collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and attention to detail make him a trusted choice for individuals seeking expert representation in children law matters.
'Dan is a very reliable pair of hands. Lay and professional clients take to him and trust him. His advocacy style is powerful and effective.'
'Daniel is reliable, clear, provides good advice that is sensitive to the limitation of the client and provides clear notes thereafter.'
'Daniel Sheridan is an excellent junior and a fighter for his clients.'
'Daniel brings undeniable flair and an expert approach to his matters, with a crucial attention to detail.'
'Daniel is an able advocate who builds a good rapport with his clients.'
'He was an excellent, skilled advocate who navigated uncharted waters and assisted all parties to ensure progress could be made.'
'Dan is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is able to build a good rapport with clients from a diverse range of backgrounds.'
Chambers UK Bar 2026
'Daniel is a kind and considerate barrister who is not afraid to show these qualities, even when faced with difficult clients, tribunals or professional colleagues. This is a trait which is often demonstrated in the court room setting, especially when he has been briefed by the local authority or the Guardian, and he always prepares his cases thoroughly, never failing to use key or important points to illustrate the client's position.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
'Dan has a real talent in relation to his advocacy. He is clear and firm in his approach but also empathy when undertaking his cross-examination. He is always child focused and has a real attention to detail on all cases.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
‘Daniel has a meticulous eye for detail.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
‘Daniel is fantastic at analysing vast amounts of evidence and focusing on the overarching issues without losing the importance of the finer details. He has great client care and is sensitive and thoughtful of the client's situation.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2025
'He's always well prepared and forensic in his approach.'
'Daniel is an excellent advocate.'
'A fantastic advocate who always fights hard for clients.'
Chambers UK Bar 2025
John Vater KC, leading Daniel Sheridan, acted for the Applicant Local Authority in R, S, T (Perplexing Presentations: Findings and Welfare), Re [2026] EWFC 194 (B). Alex Perry, instructed by Jackson West, appeared…
Daniel Sheridan was instructed by Denise Higgins of Woodfines Solicitors in Re B and G (Fact-Finding) [2026] EWCA Civ 860, acting for the successful appellant mother led by Joanne Brown…
Daniel Sheridan’s article ‘Dispensing with Notice to Father in Child Protection Proceedings: Navigating the Threshold of Exceptionality’ has now been published by Local Government Lawyer under the title ‘Dispensing with notice to father’.