About
Shárin’s practice covers the breadth of children law, covering both private and public law and cases with an international element.
Shárin is ranked as a leading junior in children and domestic abuse. She has a reputation as a “strong, convincing and confident advocate. She works very well with vulnerable clients in particular, showing sensitivity and maturity throughout” – Legal 500, 2024
Shárin is regarded for her thorough preparation, diligence, and excellent advocacy. Shárin works closely with clients and is a first point of contact for complex cases as well as cases involving vulnerable clients. She is highly regarded by both instructing solicitors and lay clients for her full command of the technical aspects of her cases, practical solutions and sensitive advice which result in positive outcomes.
Practice Areas
Private Law Children
Public Law Children
International Family Law
Experience
Private Law Children
Shárin is a specialist private children law practitioner and is ranked as a leading junior in this area. She has considerable experience in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse or alienating behaviours. She often acts in applications concerning extended family members and in proceedings with a cultural or religious element. Shárin has acted in cases concerning serious allegations of abuse and was recently led in proceedings involving allegations of ‘ritualistic’ child abuse.
Public Law Children
Shárin is frequently instructed in care proceedings, particularly where there are concerns around mental health or learning difficulties. She is sought after by solicitors for her ability to work positively with vulnerable clients or those with complex needs. Her representation of parents has been complimented by judges as being “extraordinary” and both ‘forceful and eloquent’.
International Family Law
Shárin has a growing international practice. She has acted in proceedings and applications for summary return, international relocation and cases concerning international abduction. She was recently led in an application for the summary return of a child to a Hague Convention country concerning issues of habitual residence, consent, acquiescence, grave risk of harm and the adequacy of any protective measures available.
Cases
Re E (Special Guardianship Order: Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 263 (Fam) – Representing the maternal aunt in long-running and complex proceedings in the High Court concerning a child from Ukraine. All allegations of alienating behaviours made against the maternal aunt were dismissed. The proceedings concluded with the child being placed in the care of the aunt under a Special Guardianship Order.
Testimonials
“Shárin is a strong, convincing and confident advocate. She works very well with vulnerable clients in particular, showing sensitivity and maturity throughout” Legal 500, 2024
“Shárin’s legal knowledge is fantastic and she is extremely thorough and diligent – she makes sure nothing is missed from the case. She advocates eloquently in court and thinks on her feet. She has always been clear about what needed to be done in order to ensure that we get the best result for the client, but was not afraid to be firm and give tough answers if needed. Shárin has approached cases with a level head and a calm focus that has been much needed in the circumstances.” – Professional client, London
“She is the only barrister who comes to mind when I need a competent, strong, and personable barrister for a client, especially on matters which are extremely complex. Ms Diegan without a doubt meets our expectations and achieves the best outcome for our clients on all occasions. She is very persuasive when she is in court, has good listening skills, resulting in her being very personable and being able to easily gain the trust of clients. Her communication skills are exceptional and is very thorough in every element of work she undertakes.” – Meera Patel, Copperstone Solicitors
Shárin “stepped up and did an extraordinary job representing the Mother” – Recorder
She “argued very forcefully and eloquently that the Mother’s rights are heard” – Circuit Judge
“She had prepared an excellent skeleton argument … Ms Diegan had argued the case extremely well” – Circuit Judge
“She was amazing. Very helpful. She listened to me well and swiftly helped me with my case … In the short time that we had, she studied my case well and found a great solution to it that [not] only benefitted me but also the other party and handled it so well. Strongly recommended.” – Lay client
Education and Professional Memberships
Sussex University: LLB (Hons)
BPP: Bar Practice Training Course
Inner Temple
Family Law Bar Association
Resolution
Association of Lawyers for Children
Awards
Bar Pro Bono Awards 2021: Nominated for Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year
