Professional Practice

Dafydd is a child care practitioner with extensive expertise in all areas of both private and public law. The emphasis of his practice is in the field of children private law which covers a wide ambit from external and internal relocation to acrimonious private law children matters involving implacable hostility and parental alienation. His cases routinely feature expert psychiatric and/or psychological opinion and sometimes require a nuanced and sensitive approach. He has further expertise in cases involving substance misuse (both drug and alcohol) and mental health issues. He is frequently briefed in cases of domestic violence and where emotional and psychological harm is present. He undertakes injunctive relief work, both Non – molestation and Occupation Order applications, pursuant to the Family Law Act 1996 He also specialises in the fields of jurisdiction and abduction in the High Court as well as public law. In the field of Public Law he usually represents either parents or Guardians. His cases involve complex medical issues (including NAHI & FFI) or cases involving allegations of serious sexual abuse. Dafydd originally started his career at 7 Bedford Row as a Common law Barrister which brings his added understanding to the criminal aspects of cases as well as meaning that he is often brought in to cases where there may be a Quasi – Criminal/fact finding aspect to them. Dafydd has appeared at all levels of court (save the Supreme Court) and has been involved and appeared in a number of appeals to the Court of Appeal. Dafydd was shortlisted for Family and Children Junior of the Year - Legal 500 UK Awards (2018) & Family and Children Junior of the Year - Legal 500 UK Awards (2019). Dafydd has also recently worked on the IICSA and is also a ‘ranked’ junior barrister in chambers and partners and is on the ‘Leading Junior’ list for the Legal 500. Dafydd has sat as a judge for the Welsh Legal Awards in both 2019 & 2020.

• Recommendations

  'Dafydd is approachable, puts clients at ease, is knowledgeable and can reduce complex advice into understandable language for clients.’ Dafydd Griffiths is an ‘intelligent, intuitive and thorough advocate’ who specialises in relocation and cases in which parental alienation allegations appear.'

  Legal 500 2024

  "Dafydd is a robust advocate - he represents clients fiercely, displaying great confidence and technical ability” "He really represents his clients well and the way he dissects and analyses the issues is good." "Approachable, always so well prepared and stealthy in his advocacy."

  Chambers and Partners 2024

  "Dafydd's advocacy is exemplary. He is quick on his feet and formidable in cross-examination, and written advocacy is meticulous and equally as persuasive as his oral advocacy."

  Legal 500 2023

  "Always well prepared and effective in court, he knows his stuff and is clear in his advice." "Dafydd Griffiths is easy to work with, personable and great with clients. He's easy to speak to and is a supportive barrister to both solicitors and clients. He knows his area inside out and back to front."

  Chambers and Partners 2023

  "As an experienced practitioner in both private and public law, Dafydd has an excellent grasp of the law and strategy to assist clients at all levels. He is able to get the client to open up about their problems, so that they can give clear instructions to enable him to advise them yet keeping the client at ease and remain confident in him."

  Legal 500 2022

  "He stands out for his kindness towards clients and his ability to deliver difficult news in a timely way." "He instils a lot of confidence in his lay clients." "Quick on his feet and adept at dealing with any technical issues that might arise in a case."

  Chambers and Partners 2022

  ‘Dafydd Is an exceptional advocate and has a first-class rapport with clients, they all love him. His written work is second to none and he is a fierce adversary.’

  Legal 500 2021

  "He has infinite patience and is thorough, tough and sensible." "His way with clients is outstanding because he puts them at ease and deals with their anxieties." "Always willing to go the extra mile, he demonstrates his passion and commitment to each of the clients he represents."

  Chambers and Partners 2021

  'Is extremely well prepared, professional and highly knowledgeable. He is also very good with clients treating them with kindness while managing their expectations'

  Legal 500 2020

  "Dafydd is approachable and supportive outside the courtroom but all that disappears when he cross-examines the other side. His style is tough, dynamic and doggedly determined - you want him on your team. He is simply brilliant." "He gives robust advice and doesn't pull his punches. His experience in invaluable."

  Chambers and Partners 2020

  ‘Having him appear on our behalf sent a shiver down the opposition’s spine.’

  Legal 500 2018/2019

  "Highly intelligent, with great patience, conscientiousness and flexibility." "He's a real fighter in court."

  Chambers and Partners 2019

  ‘He is a very effective advocate, with silk-standard paperwork.’

  Legal 500

  ‘A first-class children barrister.’

  Legal 500

  Legal 500 UK awards (2018) & (2019)

• Notable Cases

  • Re J (a child)
    [2012] EWHCC 3353 (fam)
    
  • O – M (children)
    [2009] EWCA Civ 1405
    
  • A Local Authority v J
    [2008] EWHC 1484 (fam)
    
  • Re B
    (2007) Lawtel AC0115985
    
  • Greenwich LC Council v S
    (2007) 2 FLR 154, FD
    

• Publications and Lecturing

  • Dafydd has run a PLO course for Butterworths and has lectured on private law updates for RELATE and undertaken in - house public law courses for Solicitor firms.

• Personal Information

  Dafydd is a fluent Welsh speaker who read Law at University. He is married with one child. He is an avid sports fan who is a season ticket holder at Arsenal FC and in addition he follows the Welsh rugby side religiously. Outside of chambers he enjoys socialising and has an interest in the Arts.