Daniel Sheridan

Call: 2008

‘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

Specialist in Complex Private Law Children Work

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

Practice Areas

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.

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.

Notable Public Law Children cases


Re TCY (Children of Deaf Adults) [2025] EWFC 22 (B)

Care proceedings concerning three children of deaf parents, issued following concerns regarding parenting capacity.


Re J (Care Plan for Adoption) [2024] EWCA Civ 265

Appeal by mother against a care order made in respect of her 9 month-old son.


Z (A Child), Re [2020] EWFC B13
A (fact finding, rib injuries), Re [2019] EWFC B89 (30 September 2019)
A Local Authority v A Mother & Ors [2019] EWCA Civ 799 (09 May 2019)
Northamptonshire County Council v M and N [2018] EWFC 82
Milton Keynes Council v A, B, X and Y (Muslim children, Special Guardianship) [2014] EWFC B102 (14 May 2014
OCC v B & T [2015] EWFC B73 (18 June 2013)

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.

 

What the Directories and Solicitors say

'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

‘Daniel is a consummate professional, and his preparation is second to none. He is very organised, thorough and considerate.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

'Dan is one of my ‘go to’ Counsel. His work is always outstanding and thorough. Importantly, he is also an absolute joy to work with.'
Rebecca Delaney, Partner, Hepburn Delaney Ltd.

'I regularly instruct Dan. He is an exceptional advocate, putting the most vulnerable at ease. One of my ‘go to’ barristers to instruct on a complex case.'
Denise Higgins, Partner, Woodfines Solicitors

"Dan's attention to detail and commitment to the brief and his instruction is excellent."
Chambers UK Bar 2024

‘Daniel is always meticulous in his preparation. He is an excellent advocate. He is a real fighter whilst being pragmatic and gives very clear advice.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

Related News

A moment of pause and reflection by Daniel Sheridan

‘Who, what, where, why and when?” – a New Year in the Family Court

Into 2025 and we launch into a new term, and we all will be pondering over…

Edward Kirkwood and Daniel Sheridan deliver a training session on sexual abuse cases to lawyers and social workers at Central Bedfordshire Council.

Edward Kirkwood and Daniel Sheridan were delighted to assist with a request for training. They recently delivered an informative talk to a team of lawyers and social workers, qualified at…

Court of Appeal provides guidance on the application of s.31(3A-B) CA89 and primacy of the ACA 2002 welfare checklist in care proceedings where care plan is one of placement for adoption

In Re J (Care Plan for Adoption) [2024] EWCA Civ 265 Jonathan Sampson KC, leading Vicky Reynolds, was instructed by Shazia Rana of Duncan Lewis Solicitors for the Appellant mother…

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