Practice overview:
Formerly, the senior solicitor for Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC social services from 1996-2003 she also had an extensive private practice experience before local government.
Since coming to the Bar, Sheila is regularly instructed by parents, carers, local authorities, and children with or without guardians, and CAFCASS Legal. Her clients find her approachable and kindly and view her as a dependable person to have on their side. Sheila’s training as a solicitor and lecturer has given her the ability to explain complex matters to her clients, whether professional or not, clearly, and succinctly. Her extensive knowledge of social services procedures gives her additional gravitas and earns her respect from judges. She is noted for her intellectually arduous, no-nonsense approach in achieving the best for her clients.
Sheila has headed up the Pupillage Programme in Chambers and has recently been appointed Head of Chambers and has been a stalwart member of Cathedral Chambers since its foundation in 2013.
Professional acknowledgements:
Sheila has been acknowledged in Chambers and Partners annual publication continually since 2012. This reflects on her dedicated focus on public law child protection work. The ranking system used considered her individual skills, including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, diligence and commitment and comes from submissions by legal practitioners and interviews with professional clients.
Mentioned in Chambers Directory 2023 Sheila Radcliffe specialises in public law children work and is praised by sources for her work ethic and attention to detail. She is especially adept at handling cases that concern adoption and guardianship proceedings.
