Olivia has developed a strong commercial chancery practice which frequently dovetails with both insolvency and company and partnership matters. She is recognised as a good communicator, not only as an advocate but also in conference with solicitors and clients. She has sound commercial understanding and has been commended for her down to earth and pragmatic approach to both people and their disputes. She enjoys the challenge of explaining complex issues in terms acceptable to, and understandable by, her client and provides a clear, analytical approach with a degree of pragmatism. She appreciates that where there are implications for directors both advice and case management must be robust.
She regularly provides advice, advocacy and drafting in a wide range of both company law and partnership disputes. This includes allegations of misfeasance, disqualification of directors, fraudulent and wrongful trading, company administrations, insolvent partnerships, minority shareholder disputes and litigation following the breakdown of a partnership.
In her capacity as Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional Panel) she frequently acts for the Secretary of State in insolvency and company/partnership matters including company directors’ disqualification proceedings, BROs and in public interest winding up petitions.
Olivia has experience of mediation including those requiring concise financial arguments in order to support settlement proposals.
Recommendations
“Olivia is highly intelligent and a quick thinker. She doesn't shy away from a firm opinion and is accessible, responsive and incredibly easy to work with.”
Legal 500 2024 – Commercial Litigation
“Olivia Chaffin-Laird impresses with her performance in cases concerning contractual disputes, professional negligence, construction and finance. She is praised for her breadth of expertise and business-minded approach. Her diverse clientele includes investors, bankers and company directors, among others.”
Chambers UK 2024 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
"Olivia is extremely well prepared. She is a formidable opponent."
Chambers UK 2023 - Commercial Dispute Resolution
"Olivia is thorough and ensures no page is unturned. Clients trust her as a reliable barrister. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in insolvency and director disputes."
Legal 500 2023 - Commercial Litigation
"She provided very good written advice in which she considered all the angles. She really gave us and the clients confidence in where we stood."
Chambers UK 2022 - Commercial Dispute Resolution
"On the matters I have worked with Olivia on, I have been impressed by her technical ability and firm grasp of the law."
Legal 500 2022 - Commercial Litigation
“She is incredibly approachable and goes beyond her instructions. She thinks outside the box and is a passionate advocate.”
Chambers UK 2021 - Commercial Dispute Resolution
“A commendable advocate who is able to manage client expectations and secure positive outcomes.”
Legal 500 2021- Commercial Litigation
“She has the ear of the judges – they know that she is reliable and trustworthy.”
Chambers UK 2020
Impresses with her performance in cases concerning contractual disputes, professional negligence, construction and finance. She is praised for her breadth of expertise and business-minded approach. Her diverse clientele includes investors, bankers and company directors, among others. “She is very technical and very thorough.”
Chambers UK 2019
“Highly experienced in financial disputes.”
Legal 500 2019
Notable Cases
London Executive Aviation Ltd v Royal Bank of Scotland Plc [2017] EWHC 1516 (Ch)
(1) Group Seven Ltd (2) Rheingold Management Inc v Ali Nasir and 9 Ors : Equity Trading Systems Ltd v Notable Services LLP and 7 Ors [2017] EWHC 2466 (Ch)
(1) Haysport Properties Ltd (2) Twinsectra Ltd V Joseph Ackerman [2016] EWHC 393 (Ch)
(1) Group Seven Ltd (A Company Incorporated In Malta) (2) Rheingold Management Inc (A Company Incorporated In Panama) V Ali Nasir and 9 Ors : Equity Trading Systems Ltd V (1) Notable Services Llp (2) Martin Landman (3) Francesco Meduri (4) Llb Verwaltung (Switzerland) Ag (Formerly Liechtensteinische Landesbank (Switzerland) Ltd) (A Company Incorporated In Switzerland) (5) Othman Louanjli [2016] EWHC 620 (Ch)
Haysport Properties Ltd and Anor v Ackerman [2015] EWHC 3975 (Ch)
Finesse Group Ltd v Bryson Products (A Firm) [2013] EWHC 3273 (TCC
Appointments
January 2013: Junior Counsel to the Crown Chancery, Commercial, Insolvency
January 2008: Treasury Counsel in the Midlands Chancery, Commercial, Insolvency, Property
Memberships
Midlands Chancery and Commercial Bar Association [MCCBA]
Commercial Bar Association [COMBAR]
Technology and Construction Bar Association [TECBAR]
Qualifications
LLB Europe with French
Universite de Montpellier – Diplome de droit francais fondamentale
