Direct Access Barrister

Sharmeen Quadri

I am a self-employed barrister accepting Direct Access instructions in family law, criminal defence, employment and related civil matters. I advise private individuals, professionals and businesses on high-stakes disputes, providing clear, strategic guidance, early risk assessment and focused representation to help clients make informed decisions and resolve complex issues efficiently.

I am a self-employed barrister accepting instructions directly from members of the public and businesses under the Direct Access scheme. I work with clients where the legal, financial or personal consequences of a matter are significant and where early, strategic advice can materially affect the outcome.
My practice focuses primarily on family law and criminal defence, alongside employment matters. In family proceedings, I represent clients in disputes involving children, domestic abuse, financial remedies, urgent applications and contested hearings. I regularly advise and represent clients in highly sensitive and emotionally complex matters, including child arrangements disputes, fact-finding hearings, non-molestation proceedings and financial disputes arising from relationship breakdown.
In criminal defence matters, I advise and represent individuals facing allegations carrying serious personal, professional and reputational consequences. My work includes magistrates’ court advocacy, motoring matters, early strategic advice, sentencing advocacy and representation in contested proceedings where focused and practical representation is required.
Alongside this, I continue to advise in employment matters, including workplace disputes, disciplinary issues and employment tribunal proceedings, particularly where early strategic input can help reduce risk and achieve efficient resolution.
Clients instruct me for clear, practical advice delivered in plain English, together with a realistic assessment of risk and options

Area of Law

Crime

I have experience in private criminal defence work, including advising individuals facing criminal allegations and representing clients in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. I am often instructed for early strategic advice, bail and charging issues, and advocacy in contested hearings. My work focuses on careful preparation, clear analysis of evidence and effective representation in matters carrying serious personal or reputation consequences.

Employment and Pensions

I have experience advising employers on a wide range of employment law issues, including workplace disputes, disciplinary and grievance processes, and employment tribunal claims. I am regularly instructed to provide early case assessment, advise on litigation risk and strategy, and draft pleadings. My work often involves helping employers make informed decisions at an early stage to reduce exposure, manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently, including representation at hearings where appropriate.

Family

I have experience in private family law matters involving children and financial disputes. I am typically instructed to provide focused advice, draft documents and represent clients in discrete hearings. My approach is pragmatic and proportionate, with an emphasis on helping clients understand risk, options and likely outcomes, and supporting effective decision-making in matters with long-term personal consequences.

What sort of work do I do?

I am instructed in matters where the legal and practical consequences are significant and where early, strategic advice can make a material difference.
My work includes:
Advising and representing clients in private family law proceedings involving child arrangements, specific issue applications, prohibited steps orders, non-molestation orders, occupation orders and financial remedy disputes
Representing clients in urgent family proceedings, including without notice applications and contested fact-finding hearings
Advising and representing individuals facing criminal allegations, including motoring offences, assault allegations, public order matters and other criminal proceedings where reputation, liberty or livelihood are at stake
Providing strategic early advice in criminal matters, including plea, mitigation and case strategy
Advising employers and individuals on employment disputes, disciplinary processes and employment tribunal claims, including advocacy and early case assessment
Representing clients in hearings and appeals where specialist barrister advocacy is required
Advising professionals and private individuals who require clear, focused advice on their position and options at an early stage
I am typically instructed where matters are time-sensitive, high-risk or emotionally sensitive, and where clients require clear, practical advice and focused representation rather than generic guidance

Who do I work for?

My clients include private individuals, professionals, employers and business owners dealing with disputes or allegations carrying serious financial, professional or personal consequences.
I regularly act for clients involved in sensitive family disputes concerning children, domestic abuse allegations and financial issues arising from separation. I also represent individuals facing criminal allegations where reputation, employment, family life or liberty may be affected.
In employment matters, I advise employers and employees involved in workplace disputes, disciplinary proceedings and tribunal litigation where strategic advice and early assessment of risk are essential.
Clients who instruct me value clear communication, practical advice, strong advocacy and a

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