AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family

Crime

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)

ABOUT OLIVIA

Olivia joined Crown Chambers as a tenant in October 2022 following successful completion of her Pupillage under the supervision of David Godfrey. 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 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 a rapidly expanding practice in private family law and has developed a keen interest in this area of family work.  She has experience representing clients at all stages of proceedings under the Children Act, including accepting instructions and being successful in appeals relating to child arrangement orders. Olivia represents those accused of domestic abuse in finding of fact hearings, in addition to representing those alleging domestic abuse, which has included allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Olivia has a similarly busy public law practice and frequently represents parents involved at all stages of care proceedings. 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. Olivia also represents Local Authorities and acts for the Children’s Guardian in care proceedings.

Olivia has a developing practice in financial remedy proceedings and has represented clients at the First Appointment, right through to a Final Hearing, including securing a large majority share in the sale of the matrimonial home and a full costs order against the Respondent in her first Final Hearing.

Criminal Law:

Olivia is a Grade 2 prosecutor and frequently prosecutes cases involving stalking, harassment, ABH and coercive and controlling behaviour. Olivia also defends in the Crown Court and Magistrates Court where she has experience representing defendants who have been charged with drugs offences and sexual offences.

Notable Cases:

LA v H [2023]

Olivia represented a young mother in care proceedings in which the final care plan was one of care and placement orders. The child had remained at home with the mother throughout proceedings and following a two-day final hearing, Olivia was successful in having the placement application dismissed and the child remained at home with the mother.

R v A [2023]

Olivia represented A who was charged with being concerned in the supply of class b drugs. After a careful analysis of the crown’s evidence against A, Olivia submitted an application to dismiss the charge which subsequently led to the Crown offering no evidence and a Not Guilty verdict was recorded against Mr A.

R v B & X [2022]

Olivia represented two defendants at first appearance and sentencing who were charged with producing cannabis. Following a conference, basis of pleas were put together which led to the Crown eventually accepting that both defendants were a “lesser role” and as such received 12 months custody each, rather than a potential 4 years.

R v B [2022]

Olivia represented B who was a vulnerable individual with significant mental health and learning difficulties. He had been charged with sexual assault x2 against a similarly vulnerable complainant. Olivia was sensitive in her approach and utilised the Advocates Gateway Toolkit - ‘Planning to Question Someone with a Learning Disability’. The Crown eventually offered no evidence against B on the day of trial.

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.

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

“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.”