"He is highly intelligent, he is friendly and he is able to explain complex issues in an easily digestible way." "He is very available, he comes back very quickly, he is concise, he is really good to work with and he is super bright."
Chambers & Partners 2022
"Oliver is an intellectual giant, who has the ability to assimilate reams of information and spot the key point- and then explain it all back in a simple way – this makes him extremely popular with lay clients. He marshals his arguments and he delivers, whether we are talking about cross-examination of key witnesses, delivering arguments to the judges in the higher court systems, or producing written pleadings. His written work is clear, precise and readable."
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
“Oliver is an intellectual giant, who has the ability to assimilate reams of information and spot the key point- and then explain it all back in a simple way – this makes him extremely popular with lay clients. He marshals his arguments and he delivers, whether we are talking about cross-examination of key witnesses, delivering arguments to the judges in the higher court systems, or producing written pleadings. His written work is clear, precise and readable.”
The Legal 500 2022
“He is highly intelligent, he is friendly and he is able to explain complex issues in an easily digestible way.” “He is very available, he comes back very quickly, he is concise, he is really good to work with and he is super bright.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
“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)
