Oliver Powell

Call: 2013

‘Oliver's preparation and attention to detail are second to none. He is extremely knowledgeable and always up to date with current case law. His advocacy is outstanding, measured and thorough - often picking up on points missed by others.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

Oliver has a broad family law practice. He has built up considerable experience in public and private law proceedings and is regularly instructed in the most difficult and complex cases. He represents clients in courts across the country.

Oliver understands that attending court can be a stressful and confusing experience. Therefore, he seeks to reassure his clients and make certain that they understand the process every step of the way. Additionally, Oliver believes that the most effective outcomes are achieved by combining forcefulness with courtesy. He is known for his dedicated and thorough approach whilst maintaining a friendly and personable disposition.

To instruct Oliver or for more information…

Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk

Practice Areas

Oliver undertakes cases involving non-accidental injuries (both as sole and led Junior), physical and sexual abuse, disputes involving complicated and often conflicting medical and expert opinion, serious domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and chronic neglect. He is regularly instructed by local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and members of the extended family.

His litigation and advocacy experience includes representing vulnerable adults and children, and he is frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor. He often appears in proceedings where mental capacity is a live issue.

Oliver is trained and qualified for public access work and accepts instructions directly from members of the public in appropriate cases.

Oliver has a busy private law practice. He has experience of applications for all types of orders under the Children Act 1989, and has represented parents, members of the extended family and children’s guardians. Oliver is often instructed in complex cases involving implacable hostility and alienation. Moreover, he is frequently instructed in cases involving serious and sensitive allegations of abuse that require resolution by way of a fact-finding hearing.

Notable Private Law Children cases


F v M (private law fact finding) [2020] EWFC B71

Fact-finding in private law case. Mother’s allegations of father’s abuse found to be not proven.

The trial judge said the following in this case at paragraph 101 of the Judgment:

“I am grateful to Mr Powell, who in my judgment fulfilled this role admirably, both in his cross-examination of the witnesses, and in his rigorous and careful examination of the evidence in closing submissions.”

Oliver accepts instructions in this field, and considers his skill set to be particularly suited to this area of law.

Oliver is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.

 

What the directories say

'Oliver is extremely approachable, and his knowledge of the law is exceptional. He is extremely forensic, and his advice is always clear and concise.’
Legal 500 UK Bar 2023

"Thank you for all your excellent work on this case and for achieving the desired result. I always enjoy working with you and know that you will be very thorough and professional."
Solicitor

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