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Adrian Oliver

Senior Partner

Adrian Oliver

Areas of Expertise

â–º Data Protection

About Adrian

Adrian specialises in the defence of actions against the police and defends public liability and employers' liability claims for police forces as well as dealing with a range of local authority litigation. Adrian has been involved in a number of high profile cases for a number of police forces and deals with claims for wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution, Human Rights breaches and other actions involving the police, including inquests. Adrian regularly appears in the top tier category in legal review publications of solicitors in this area and assists police forces by providing advice on a wide range of issues.

 

Adrian also deals with complex claims against social services departments for alleged failure to protect children from abuse and neglect, accidents in the workplace and other actions against local authorities in respect of the duty of care.

 

Adrian deals with data protection issues on behalf of clients and assists in dealing with subject access requests where the sensitivity of the matter demands. Adrian oversees the litigation department of the practice.

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Since 2009 Adrian has been the chair of the South Wales Police Youth Trust and meets regularly with the Chief Constable of South Wales and the Police & Crime Commissioner to seek to pursue the trust’s aims of seeking to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour, to educate young children as to the dangers of alcohol, drug and solvent abuse and to promote a safe environment for young people living in the South Wales area.

Legal Commendations

"Adrian is really responsive and approachable. He has a personal grip on every matter and knows every detail of the cases."

Chambers & Partners, 2024

 

"Adrian Oliver heads up the team and has vast experience representing police forces across many claims and is recognised in the “Hall of Fame” category as an exceptional lawyer."

Legal 500, 2024

 

“Led by Adrian Oliver, Dolmans has developed a strong reputation in the sports sector, primarily as a result of its work for numerous national governing bodies, including Disability Sport Wales and Commonwealth Games Wales."

 

"Led by Adrian Oliver, the practice remains best-known for its defence of Welsh (and English) local and public authorities and their insurers.”

Legal 500, 2023

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"Adrian consistently maintains a high level of professionalism."

 

"He goes significantly beyond what is expected of solicitors; he is extremely professional and tactically fantastic."

Chambers & Partners, 2023

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“Team head Adrian Oliver has a particular focus on defending police forces across a multitude of claims made against them.”

Legal 500, 2022

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"He is very client-focused."

Chambers & Partners, 2022

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"Adrian Oliver handles a range of public liability and civil claims made against police forces. Sources say: ‘He is very easy to work with and has a good sense of judgement’.”

Chambers & Partners, 2020

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Notable Cases

Howarth v Chief Constable of Gwent Police EWHC 2836 QB) [2011]: the subjective and objective tests in cases of malicious prosecution

 

Robert Edward Seal v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2007] UKHL 32, House of Lords and ECHR 50330/07: whether a failure to obtain leave under s139(2) Mental Health Act 1983 renders subsequent proceedings a nullity

 

Michael O'Brien v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2005] 2 AC 534, House of Lords: similar fact evidence in civil proceedings

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Carlco v Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police [2002] EWCA Civ 1754, Court of Appeal: whether judge had been entitled to strike out claim for non-compliance with a disclosure order

 

Janet Leach v Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary [1999] 1 WLR 1421, Court of Appeal: whether a duty of care was owed by the police to an appropriate adult in a notorious multiple murder investigation

 

Mark Anthony Sacco v Chief Constable of South Wales Constabulary and others [1998] EWCA Civ 843, Court of Appeal: extent of the duty of care owed in the transportation of detained persons

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