Deirdre Sheahan

Director

Click here to email Deirdre Sheahan
DD : 01159 644125

Deirdre heads up Paragon Law's Asylum and Human Rights team. Deirdre's technical ability as an immigration lawyer, her committed and insightful approach have led to invitations to attend high level conferences. In September 2011, Deirdre was invited to join a small number of practitioners, judges and representatives of the UNHCR for a meeting of experts on Refugee claims relating to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Deirdre also leads workshops on Human Rights and Asylum for Amnesty International and continues her role as an Advisor on a research project being lead out of the University of Nottingham which is entitled "Rape narratives and credibility assessment (of female claimants) at the AIT". This Advisory Group includes Judges, the UK Border Agency, police and key NGOs.

Deirdre has been at the forefront of many notable cases which have changed the law in Refugee and Human Rights claims and which include LQ (Age; immutable characteristics) Afghanistan [2008], HJ (Iran) [2010], R (MA, BT, DA) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] EWCA Civ 1446.

Deirdre is a sought after speaker on Asylum and Human Rights law, has maintained strong relationships with organisations that represent the interest of asylum seekers in the UK. Her commitment to this area of law was recently recognised by Nottingham Law School who awarded her their inaugural Alumni of the year.

In 2013 Chambers and Partners Legal Directory, Deirdre is described as "very on top of her cases and very authoritative," and as a lawyer with "real commitment and flair."

Testimonials

'"will never be able to appreciate enough for Deirdre Sheahan’s legal assistance. Words are so limited in any modern language that they can hardly express my gratefulness for her work for me & my kids. However, words are the only means I have to communicate how outstanding, professional, and efficient was her legal assistance in my case. She placed herself in my shoes, felt my need, and demonstrated the remarkable, top quality individual that she is with her clients. Deirdre concern shows how much she cares for them at the personal level to get things done professionally. Thank you very much Deirdre for everything, you are the best, god bless you!"

A refugee represented by Deirdre Sheahan in 2012

'Miss Deirdre has a very wonderful heart and we are touched by the care and concern that she has for our emotional wellbeing.  
Today we are greatly thankful to her and indebted to her for giving us another chance to live life peacefully and happily.
She made possible what we had thought to be impossible.
We cannot thank her enough for her care, dedication and personal attention in our matter.
Miss Deirdre is a very knowledgeable, kind and dedicated solicitor and to be represented by her was a privilege that we are thankful of.'

A Malaysian refugee represented by Miss Sheahan in 2012

'My family and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dee for all her hard work and dedication in handling our asylum cases of our family members.

We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have Dee who is a highly knowledgeable human right lawyer. We could not have granted status in the UK without her high level of professionalism and genuine interest to help us.

Our family would never forget how Dee and her team managed to delay the deportation risk we faced, which was almost impossible to stop, within very short timeline. Within six months after that, as a result of Dee’s efficient negotiation with Home Office, we all were granted refugee status.

She also did exceptional job in handling my husband’s case and as a result of that my husband has recently received a positive decision on his human right claim.

Throughout the entire processes of handling our cases, Dee has always been straightforward, courteous and helpful and her support and guidance gave us hope and the strengths to carry on through our difficult and stressful times.

She will always have our highest regards and recommendations.  

Thank you again to all the staff at Paragon Law Nottingham for your great service.'

Mongolian clients of Ms Sheahan 2014

Recent articles by Deirdre Sheahan please click link below

Paragon Lawyer quoted in Guardian Article

Paragon Law Solicitor in TV Appearance

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