Barrister of the month: Olivia Checa-Dover

Name: Olivia Checa-Dover

Role: Barrister, Recorder and Deputy District Judge

Specialist in (areas of law): Police law, judicial review, inquest and inquiries

Called to the Bar in: 2007

Joined 5 Essex Chambers in: 2021

Why did you decide to become a barrister?

I watched an episode of Kavanagh QC as a child. He was swanning around, getting to the bottom of cases and then making a cracking speech. I knew nobody in the law but thought, I can do that. As it transpired, there’s a bit more to it but, at its core, the job is usually about understanding your case and then persuading others (or at least finding common ground). As a child, I was fairly sure I’d enjoy that and I’ve been proved right.

What are your career highlights?

Perhaps the standout highlight was being appointed to judicial roles early in my career, and as a legally qualified chair of police misconduct proceedings even earlier. There’s no doubt the experience makes me a better advocate.

I’m also particularly proud of the work conducted with Cleveland Police on protecting vulnerable victims of domestic abuse, including seeking clarification on the approach to be taken in DVPOs, which was provided in the case of Chief Constable of Cleveland Police v Jemmett [2024] EWHC 1172 (Admin).

What advice would you give to someone who wants to do the job you do?

Spend some time in court, shadowing a barrister or sitting in court. It’s important to understand the job as opposed to the idea of it. Once you know it’s what you want, practise being persuasive in a clear, straightforward way.

Tell us about a person who’s had an influence on your career?

It all started with my mother, who taught me the art of a good story, which is often the base for effective advocacy. Thereafter, I cannot help but be inspired by the KCs in Chambers, in particular the number and talent of the female Silks.

Tell us about one former colleague who you miss, and why?

The late Andrew Robertson QC, my former Head of Chambers. He was supremely bright and enormously practical. I learnt a great deal from Andrew and he always valued my opinion.

When I was very junior, he asked me to join him as he prosecuted the trial of Anne Darwin (her husband, John Darwin, had already pleaded guilty to fraud having staged his death in a canoe accident). From what I can tell, Andrew ate only KitKats for the duration of the trial, which is not a practice I’ve adopted. The rest of his style influenced me greatly.

What others say of Olivia

“Olivia is a reliable counsel and a true expert in police law.”

“Olivia Checa-Dover’s advice is comprehensive and reliable, taking into account all relevant aspects. She is calm, unflustered, quick on her feet and confident when dealing with an opponent.”

Chambers UK 2025

“Olivia is extremely knowledgeable on all areas of police law. She places all clients and witnesses at ease during proceedings. She is excellent in her advocacy and never fazed by the unpredictable.”

“Olivia is an outstanding advocate with unprecedented expertise and knowledge in relation to police defendant work.”

Chambers UK 2024

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Authors

Olivia Checa-Dover

Call 2007