YEAR OF CALL: 2021

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Private Law Children

Public Law Children

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

October 2021: Called to the Bar of England & Wales

2019-2020: BPTC/LLM - BPP University, Manchester (Very Competent)

2015-2018: Bachelor of Laws - University of Liverpool (2:1 with honours)

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Sir Thomas More Scholarship, awarded by The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (2018)

Academic Excellence Scholarship, awarded by BPP University, Manchester (2018)

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn

North Eastern Circuit

Family Law Bar Association

CPS Grade 2 Prosecutor

ABOUT OLIVIA

Olivia joined Crown Chambers as a tenant in October 2022 following successful completion of her Pupillage. Prior to Pupillage, she spent nine months providing advocacy for young people involved in SEND processes with Sheffield City Council, where she obtained legal qualifications in SEN Law. Olivia is a popular and fearless advocate and will always ensure that her client’s best interests are at the forefront of her mind. She is able to quickly get a firm understanding of the key issues in her cases, even at very short notice, and advise her clients accordingly.

Family Law:

Olivia has an expansive practice in both public and private children law.  She has a particular interest in private law children cases and has experience representing parties at all stages of proceedings under the Children Act, including accepting instructions and being successful in appeals relating to child arrangement orders. Olivia is often instructed in complex finding of fact hearings and represents parents both subject to and making allegations of serious domestic abuse comprising allegations of rape, sexual assault, threatening behaviour, coercive and controlling behaviour, physical abuse and parental alienation. She represents Rule 16.4 Guardian’s in particularly acrimonious private law children disputes and is able to offer fair, thorough and knowledgeable advice. Olivia has appeared in the High Court in cases involving international elements.

Olivia has a similarly busy public law practice and frequently represents parents, local authorities and the children’s guardian from the first hearing, right through to any final hearing. This has involved allegations of serious neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, issues of domestic abuse and allegations of non-accidental injury. Olivia is able to appropriately represent particularly vulnerable clients given her background as a Special Educational Needs Advocate. She is able to explain complicated issues in a manner that is simpler for her client to understand.

In addition to running her own cases, Olivia has a number of cases in which she has been led by Leading Junior and King’s Counsel.

Testimonials:

In addition to being a tenacious advocate, Olivia regularly receives positive feedback from both clients and solicitors, commending her for her excellent client care skills and down to earth approach which makes her clients feel instantly at ease.

“Just a quick note of gratitude for your representation in court over the last few days. I was seriously impressed with the level of detail you were aware of and your line of questioning. I am pleased that the Judge could see that the Local Authority recommendations were flawed and acted to protect my daughter.”

“Olivia’s professionalism and empathy were absolutely amazing. I genuinely could not have coped with my court appearance without her.”

“I’m very pleased it was over and Olivia was amazing. Could you let her know how grateful I am for her kindness and diligence – I felt in safe, capable hands throughout.”

“Our client highly recommends Olivia. It is not often we have hearings listed in the York area but we will be sure to come back to Olivia if and when we do.”

“Olivia was brilliant. Client was adamant he wanted Olivia to represent him for a further hearing. Both client and solicitors were very impressed.”

“I’m beyond impressed with the service Olivia has given me. My concerns of using a new chambers were squashed immediately and I’m looking forward to giving more work your way when it’s in this area.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia in Sheffield Family Court. Whilst I wouldn’t normally take the time to email about opposing Counsel, I was really impressed by how personable yet professional she was.”

“I would like to thank Olivia for the great job that she did in my case. I would recommend to everyone. You can tell she is strong in the court, she will have a good future – thank you so much from me and my son.”

“I would like to thank Olivia McGeeney for handling my case with professionalism and for achieving an outstanding result. I was worried for the outcome but her efforts have exceeded all expectations. She is thorough, knowledgeable and determined to get the best possible outcome.”