Sinéad is a Partner and Head of the firm's Health Services Team. Her passion and commitment to her clients ensures that they receive all round support. Sinéad relies on her excellent skill set and works closely with her committed team of Solicitors to consistently deliver high quality legal advice. 

Sinéad has been the legal advisor to the Child and Family Agency and it's predecessors in the seminal Child Protection Cases of the last 30 years. In addition to Child Protection, Sinéad specialises in Adoption Law, Children’s Mental Health and Constitutional Rights.  

In June 2022, Sinéad was awarded a Patent of Precedence which entitles her to use the title of Senior Counsel. She is one of six solicitors awarded the title in 2022. Patents of Precedence are granted by the Government, under the terms of the Legal Services Regulation, on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the grant of Patents of Precedence.

Key Experience

• Represents and advices the Child and Family Agency and its predecessors in complex  and sensitive litigation before the District Court pursuant to the Agency’s statutory obligation  as set out in the Child Care Act.

• Represented and advised the HSE now Child and Family Agency  in the development of the Special Care Jurisdiction for Children.

• Provides expert advice and representation  in complex Domestic and Intercountry Adoption cases.

• Managed and advised in a number of the most high profile and contentious High Court actions against Public Sector Clients.

• Provided advice and representation in a high profile strategic Case Stated before the Supreme Court.

Memberships

• Dublin Solicitors' Bar Association

• Law Society of Ireland

• Child & Family Law Committee

Education

• Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), University College of Dublin, 1985 

Recommendations

Leading Individual, Public Sector - Legal 500, 2023

‘This practice adopts a non-adversarial and solution-based approach to legal problems. Sinéad Kearney stands out because of her innovative use of alternative dispute resolution techniques.’ - Legal 500, 2021

'Sinéad Kearney is very client focused and effective.'  - Legal 500, 2021

"Sinéad Kearney is particularly impressive." - Legal 500, 2020

"Sinéad Kearney combines a huge breadth of experience and legal knowledge with an extremely practical and personal approach." - Legal 500, 2020

Described by Legal 500 2019 as 'a true innovator and very effective advocate'

Sinéad Kearney is described by clients as “effective” in relation to her healthcare expertise. - Legal 500, 2017

Healthcare and social care are areas of strength at ByrneWallace, where Sinéad Kearney has been representing the HSE and Tusla (Child and Family Agency) in numerous high-profile contentious matters. - Legal 500, 2017

ByrneWallace is well regarded for its work representing public sector entities in litigation and in relation to legislative reforms, acting with ‘assured preparedness’..Sinéad Kearney is recommended on the childcare side. - Legal 500, 2016

Described as a 'health law expert' - Legal 500, 2015

The firm also has a robust health services practice that ‘delivers every time’ under ‘health law expert’  Sinéad Kearney. - Legal 500, 2015

Healthcare group head Sinéad Kearney ‘delivers every time.’ - Legal 500, 2014