JUNIOR PROFILE

Olivia Checa-Dover

UK Bar 2026

5 Essex Chambers

Ranked in 1 practice area

Police Law: Mainly Defendant

All Circuits

5 years ranked

About

Provided by 5 Essex Chambers

UK Bar

Practice Areas

Olivia is a leading police law and inquest specialist. She also sits as a Recorder, Deputy District Judge and Legally Qualified Chair of Police Misconduct Proceedings. Clients report 'her ability to turn around instructions under the most relentless pressure is unmatched’ (Legal 500 2021); she is ‘extremely bright, with a persuasive advocacy style’ (Legal 500 2019).

Notable cases include: The Undercover Policing Inquiry; the misconduct investigations relating to the murders committed by Stephen Port; inquests into the death of Yassar Yaqub and Andrew Hall; and successful judicial reviews overturning unsustainable police misconduct decisions, including R (on the application of the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police) v Police Misconduct Panel [2020] EWHC 1400 (Admin) and R (on the application of (on the application of the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis) v PAT [2022] EWHC 2711 (Admin).

Olivia started her career practising in police law, crime, civil and family from KBW Chambers in Leeds. She began to specialise in police law from 2010, acting for police forces across the country and as part of the Attorney General’s panel of civil counsel.

In 2021, Olivia joined 5 Essex Chambers as an associate tenant. Olivia regularly acts as leading counsel, as well as providing training to police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners across the country.

Please visit the 5 Essex Chambers website for her profile, which sets out full details of her practice including relevant work of note.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Police Law: Mainly Defendant - All Circuits

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Olivia Checa-Dover is instructed in the defence of civil claims by a number of police forces across the North. She has notable experience in matters concerning alleged misconduct by officers, false arrest and failure to investigate, including those involving issues of discrimination.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Olivia's client care is second to none. She puts clients and witnesses at ease in even the most serious of claims. Olivia's takes a no-nonsense approach to advocacy and cross-examination.
Police Law: Mainly DefendantUK Bar
Olivia Checa-Dover is very well respected by her clients. She has a solid grasp and provides tactical advice.
Police Law: Mainly DefendantUK Bar
Olivia's work is outstanding, articulate and concise. She can get to the core of the issue very quickly. She is fierce, a tough cross-examiner. She supports and champions juniors' successes.
Police Law: Mainly DefendantUK Bar
Olivia Checa-Dover gets to the thrust of the argument quickly, efficiently and succinctly, ensuring that the point is not lost on anyone. Olivia is very approachable, making her a go-to barrister.
Police Law: Mainly DefendantUK Bar