October 2017 - Bar Council granted exemption allowing admittance to the Bar.
BPP Law School - Civil Higher Rights of Audience Certificate
Manchester Metropolitan University - Legal Practice Course- (Commendation)
BPP Law School Manchester - Graduate Diploma in Law- Part Time Course (Pass)
Salford University - BA (Hons) Sociology and Cultural Studies (Second Class Honours)
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Member of the Northern Circuit
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children.
Child Concern
Northern Circuit – Equality and Diversity Board
Non-executive board member of ‘The Resolution Service’ which is service lobbying and pushing for statutory, structural and strategic changes to the overwhelming adverse educational experiences of SEND children (children with special education need and disabilities).
Olivia Edwards joined chambers in October 2020. Prior to being called to the bar in 2017, Olivia worked for Manchester Local Authority from 2009 as a Senior Solicitor and In-House Advocate providing advocacy and undertaking advice work in complex, sensitive and lengthy Children Act 1989 matters.
Olivia’s current practice involves representation of Local Authorities, parents and Guardians in public and private family cases involving issues with multi-dimensional aspects including intractable contact and residence disputes, care & placement order applications, matters with significant neglect issues, international elements & jurisdictional issues, designated authority matters, mental health issues, learning disabilities, drug & alcohol issues, non-accidental injury cases.
Olivia also has expertise in (FGM) female genital mutilation proceedings, forced marriage applications, secure Orders, DOLS and Inherent Jurisdiction matters.
MCC v D
Representation of a parent in High Court care proceedings whereby significant findings made that the client had purposefully caused the death of his infant child, caused significant injuries to the deceased child’s twin brother and further findings of physical harm to other children in the family.
Successfully argued that despite the adverse findings made, the client should exercise indirect contact with his surviving child.
TC v G
Conduct of joint criminal/care hearings in the High Court. Further conduct of composite High Court hearing whereby significant findings made that the client had purposefully caused the death of his infant child and had attempted to cover up the causation of those significant injuries.
Successfully argued for an adjournment and expert medical report to be obtained.
BC v H
Acted for the LA in a 10-day complex composite fact-finding/welfare hearing in public law care proceedings, involving 11 witnesses and 2 experts. The LA sought findings of physical abuse against the child’s stepfather.
Successfully argued and findings made that the stepfather had caused all of the injuries to the child.
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