Olivia Whitworth was called in 2018 having completed an undergraduate degree, master’s degree and a scholarship funded PhD at the University of Birmingham. Post graduation she worked in Parliament alongside undertaking the GDL and BPTC which she completed in 2018, having been awarded the Lord Mansfield scholarship by Lincoln’s Inn.
Olivia has quickly developed a very successful children law practice on circuit and is considered to have a practice beyond her year of call. She regularly undertakes multi-day fact finds and final hearings and has been instructed for local authorities, parents and on behalf of the children. Olivia has regularly appeared in the High Court on complex matters including proceedings involving deprivation of liberty orders and jurisdictional issues.
In care proceedings Olivia is often instructed on behalf of parents with cognitive challenges and is adept at making part 25 applications to ensure they are sufficiently assessed and supported throughout proceedings.
Olivia is recognised for her calm, clear and practical approach to cases as well as her strong interpersonal skills which allow her to develop a strong rapport with her clients. She is also know for her succinct and concise advocacy style and incisive cross examination skills.
Olivia also has an advanced criminal practice which allows her to have an insight and understanding beyond that of her peers into police disclosure and the complex issues which arise when there is a crossover with criminal proceedings.
Recommendations
“Olivia is calm under pressure, is able to simplify matters and takes a professional approach to cases. She always has the best interests of the child in the forefront of her mind. Her advocacy is excellent, and her negotiation skills are first rate.”
Legal 500 2023
Notable Cases
Re FK
Olivia represented a mother in complex private law proceedings in the High Court after the father was convicted of a serious violence offence against her. She secured the appointment of a guardian for the children and ultimately orders limiting the father’s parental responsibility and preventing him from knowing the location of the children. The case involved complex police disclosure and advanced legal argument.
Re SF
Olivia represented a father in lengthy proceedings involving serious allegations of FII and that included a fifteen day finding of fact hearing. The fifteen day finding of fact hearing required consideration of over 6000 pages of medical records, social services records, police disclosure and preparation of a lengthy chronology.
Re BV
Olivia appeared in the High Court representing a mother in care proceedings for her sixteen year old daughter who had travelled from Malawi to give birth. There were jurisdictional complexities, issues with threshold and FGM protection orders. Cultural experts were instructed. In addition deprivation of liberty orders were put in place. The proceedings concluded with no orders being made and the local authority withdrawing proceedings.
RE BP
Olivia was instructed on behalf of the child in an application by the local authority for discharge of a placement order. The final care plan had been placement for siblings together and had changed after the conclusion of court proceedings. Olivia was required to prepare a detailed advice on whether the child’s human rights had been breached and argue accordingly at final hearing.
Re AA
Olivia was instructed to represent the children in private law proceedings involving serious allegations of non-accidental injury between 2017 and 2020. The three-day fact-finding hearing was complicated further by extensive police disclosure and medical evidence. Complex submissions were required after findings were made on the appropriate way forward.
Re BE
Olivia represented a father who had significant cognitive difficulties in care proceedings from the ICO throughout. She secured a PAMS assessment and ultimately the transition of the child back into the care of him and the mother.
Re AC
Olivia represented the children in care proceedings where their sibling was deceased as a result of disputed parental neglect.
Awards
Lord Mansfield Major Award Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
University of Birmingham College of Social Science PhD scholarship
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
West Midlands FLBA
Lincoln’s Inn
Denning Society
Qualifications
BPTC – University of Law
GDL – BPP Law School
PhD – University of Birmingham
MA (hons) – University of Birmingham
BA (hons) – University of Birmingham
