Deirdre graduated from UCC with a BCL (2016) and LLM postgraduate degree (2017). She qualified as a Solicitor in Ireland in 2000 and is also admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales. Since qualification, Deirdre has practiced exclusively in the area of Family Law and Child Care Law. Deirdre is an experienced and skilled advocate, who advises and represents clients on issues of Divorce, Separation, Civil Partnership, Custody, Access, Maintenance and Domestic Violence in the District and Circuit Courts.
McCoy Solicitors is one of the few firms with a specialty in Public Child Law matters and Deirdre frequently advises and represents Guardian ad Litems in such proceedings, representing the wishes and feelings of children in the Courts. This work has included advising in the area of Special Care, and involved a recent Landmark case before the Supreme Court. In addition to this work, Deirdre has been appointed by the High Court to represent vulnerable adults under its Inherent Jurisdiction and has also represented clients in proceedings under the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act.
Having worked in similar fields in the UK for 10 years, Deirdre has advised in cases with a unique cross-jurisdictional element and advises UK Local Authorities and private clients in inter jurisdictional issues relating to the placement of children. Deirdre is a member of the Family Lawyers Association and sits on a steering committee with the Court Service to improve the running of the Courts.
Deirdre is a past member of the Law Society Family Law Committee and whilst in England received Advanced Family Law Practitioner Accreditation from the Law Society.