Daniel ShenSmith

Founder of ShenSmith Barristers and ShenSmith Law

Barrister, Mediator, and Legal Educator

Daniel ShenSmith is a practising Barrister of England and Wales, widely recognised for his practical legal insight, clear advocacy, and commitment to improving access to justice. He is also known to a global audience as the BlackBeltBarrister, creator of one of the UK’s most popular legal education platforms on YouTube.

Professional Background and Qualifications

Daniel holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Laws and a Distinction Master of Laws in Legal Practice for Barristers, having also achieved distinction in the Bar Professional Training Course. He was called to the Bar in 2018 and is a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

In addition to his legal career, Daniel is a qualified mediator and brings extensive experience in negotiation and dispute resolution to his practice. His background in business, prior to qualifying at the Bar, informs a pragmatic and commercially aware approach to client matters.

Areas of Practice

Daniel’s practice encompasses a broad range of civil and commercial legal work, with particular strengths in:

• Consumer and Contract Law – advising on disputes, rights, remedies, and enforcement of consumer protections.

• Intellectual Property (IP) and Data Protection – handling trademark, design, domain, and goodwill disputes with a clear, pragmatic approach.

• Media and Online Law – addressing issues at the intersection of digital platforms, expression, and legal rights.

• Family Law – in his early practice Daniel gained experience in matters such as child arrangements, contact disputes, and related procedural applications.

• Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution – helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively outside the adversarial arena.

Daniel accepts direct access instructions, meaning individuals can instruct him without the need for a solicitor, where appropriate.

Advocacy and Court Experience

Daniel has appeared in various forums, bringing clarity and disciplined analysis to complex facts and legal questions. His advocacy combines rigorous legal reasoning with practical solutions tailored to the needs of each client.

BlackBeltBarrister: Legal Education and Outreach

Alongside his practice, Daniel is the creator of the BlackBeltBarrister YouTube channel, designed to make legal concepts accessible to a broad audience. The channel explains everyday legal issues in plain English, helping viewers understand their rights and navigate practical legal situations.

Through this platform, Daniel has built a significant online presence and wide reach, reflecting his commitment to demystifying the law and empowering individuals with reliable legal information.

Professional Approach

Daniel combines technical legal knowledge with real-world understanding, aiming to deliver clear analysis, strategic guidance, and effective dispute resolution. As a mediator, he focuses on amicable and sustainable outcomes where possible, reducing the need for costly litigation.

His practice is informed by a belief that the law should be comprehensible and practical, helping clients to navigate disputes with confidence and clarity.

Daniel practices from ShenSmith Law and is authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Board. He is available for advice, draft work, representation, and mediation services.