Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2013
‘Oliver is an excellent advocate, well-prepared and knowledgeable, personable and collaborative.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
Oliver Powell practises in all areas of family law, with a particular emphasis on private law children, financial remedy and public law children work.
He is a determined advocate who always strives to achieve the best result for his client, whether that may be through a negotiated agreement or robust representation in court.
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
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.
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 has experience in financial remedy proceedings that have required careful and thorough advice and representation in court. He similarly has experience in claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA). Oliver is known for his fearless representation in court combined with a sensitive and empathetic client facing approach.
Public Law Children & Care Proceedings
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.
Care proceedings. Welfare hearing dealing with, inter alia, orders regarding younger child, where older child found to have been sexually abused by her step-father.
Care proceedings. The court considered whether a young person approaching seventeen should remain in foster care despite her clear and determined wish to return to her mother.
Care proceedings. Court considered a teenager’s allegations of serious sexual abuse by her stepfather and the resulting risk of harm to both her and his six-year-old daughter.
Care proceedings relating to three children, issued following concerns of neglect.
Fact-finding in public law proceedings, concerning allegations of sexual abuse made by child against sibling.
Fact-finding in care proceedings concerning cause of fracture to child’s leg.
Final hearing in care proceedings, in which the issue was whether to place the child for adoption or with the paternal grandmother.
Care proceedings concerning a 14 year old girl who had made allegations that she had been sexually abused by family members.
Court of Protection & Medical Treatment
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.
‘Oliver is able to bring together key themes in what can often be complicated proceedings and present this in a very clear and organised format to the court.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
‘Oliver is laser focused and takes a meticulous approach. He is always well prepared and often explains complex facts and legal principles clearly and effectively. He is calm which is always well received and is truly a safe pair of hands.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2025
‘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 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
Following findings of serious sexual abuse, coercive control and intimidation of an older sibling, the court considered the profound implications for her younger sister’s contact with their father, including long-term…
Following findings of serious sexual abuse by her stepfather, the court considered whether a young person approaching seventeen should remain in foster care despite her clear and determined wish to…
Following a Crown Court acquittal, the Family Court considered afresh a teenager’s allegations of serious sexual abuse by her stepfather and the resulting risk of harm to both her and…