"He's an extremely good advocate." "He's spectacular in industrial action cases and extremely reliable. An enormous brain on legs."
Chambers & Partners 2021
"He understands the motivations and objectives of clients and that is very important. Oliver combines his extensive knowledge with a tenacious drive for a fair and just outcome. He is our go-to silk for industrial action."
Oliver is “exceptionally knowledgeable in his field, very client-focused, … very bright, and a great advocate.” – Chambers & Partners 2019.
Within employment law he has particular specialist experience in: collective disputes (including industrial action, union recognition, TUPE and collective agreement cases); breach of contract claims (including restrictive covenants, PHI and negligent reference cases); and equal pay claims.
Oliver is the leading barrister within the field of commercial agency law; he acts for both agents and principals and has appeared in several of the most important cases, including the House of Lords case of Lonsdale v. Howard & Hallam.
Oliver is very experienced at representing parties at mediations and arbitrations.
Appointments
2013: Appointed a Fee Paid Employment Judge (sitting at London Central);
2013: Qualified mediator; on CEDR Panel.
Professional Recommendations
“He’s an extremely good advocate.” “He’s spectacular in industrial action cases and extremely reliable. An enormous brain on legs.”
Chambers & Partners 2021
“He understands the motivations and objectives of clients and that is very important. Oliver combines his extensive knowledge with a tenacious drive for a fair and just outcome. He is our go-to silk for industrial action.”
The Legal 500 2021
“Exceptionally knowledgeable in his field, very client-focused, and able to hold a staggering amount of information in his head.” “He’s very bright, extremely good on his feet and a great advocate.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
“Extremely clever silk and formidable opponent, who has emerged as one of the leading silks for trade unions.”
The Legal 500 2020
“He has a brain the size of a planet. He is bright, committed and will go an extra million miles for you.”
Chambers & Partners 2018
“He gives excellent, commercial advice and is a highly impressive advocate who is fantastic with clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
“He is impressive all round, with excellent client skills and superb advocacy.”
The Legal 500 2015
Expertise
Employment & Discrimination
Oliver has been involved in several significant cases within employment law, including over recent years:
Unite the Union v Nailard [2019] ICR 28, CA
R (FBU) v South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority [2018] CMLR 27; [2018] IRLR 717 (Admin Court)
Abrahall & Ors v Nottingham City Council & Anor [2018] IRLR 628, CA
Govia GTR Railway v ASLEF [2017] ICR 497, CA
Hartley & ors v King Edward VI College [2015] ICR 1143, Sup Ct
Abercrombie & ors [2013] IRLR 953, CA
Anderson & ors v. London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority [2013] IRLR 459, CA
RMT v. Serco Ltd [2011] ICR 848, CA
Malone & ors v. British Airways plc [2011] ICR 125, CA
Gibb v. Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [2010] IRLR 786, CA
Commercial Agents
Oliver has been involved in most of the leading cases including:
W Nagel (a firm) v Pluczenik Diamond Company [2019] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 36, CA
Software Incubator Ltd v Computer Associates Ltd [2018] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 613, CA
Crocs Europe BV v. Anderson & anor ([2012] EWCA Civ 1400;
Lonsdale (t/a Lonsdale Agencies) v. Howard & Hallam Ltd [2007] UKHL 32, [2007] ICR 1338;
Light & Ors v Ty Europe Ltd [2004] Lloyds LR Vol 1 693, CA
Recent and current work
Relevant Work
Uber v Aslam & ors (Sup Ct hearing July 2020)
Dunkley & ors v Kostal UK Ltd (Sup Ct hearing 2020)
Unite v McFadden (CA hearing 2020)
Kelly v Musicians’ Union (CA hearing 2020)
Software Incubator Ltd v Computer Associates Ltd (reference from Sup Ct to CJEU; CJEU hearing 2020)
