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I specialise in public law disputes and commercial dispute resolution for governing bodies and organisations. I have considerable experience of complex judicial review challenges, contentious procurement and commercial disputes. I advise on all aspects of litigation, representing clients in the High Court and Court of Appeal, and I have considerable experience of alternative dispute resolution including arbitration, mediation and without prejudice negotiation.
I have acted on numerous complex judicial review challenges relating to decisions on funding, large-scale outsourcing projects, the restructuring of public bodies and the reduction or consolidation of public services. I also advise public sector bodies on their statutory powers and duties particularly in respect of consultation and obligations arising under the Equality Act 2010, with a view to mitigating the risk of challenges or disputes where difficult decisions have to be made. In addition, I specialise in procurement law, regularly advising clients (including NHS commissioners) on their obligations, rights and options arising under the procurement regime and representing both those bringing and defending procurement challenges.
In terms of commercial disputes, my work mainly involves advising public sector bodies on contract disputes, particularly those arising in local government and the health sector (often under the NHS standard form contracts).
Publications
I have written several articles including:
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A Labour government – what does this mean for local authorities?
10/07/2024
Key elements of The Labour Party Manifesto
The Court of Appeal overturns decision of High Court in ruling that...
13/08/2023
What does this mean for local authorities?
ON DEMAND: Contract disputes: tips, tactics and knowing your rights
21/06/2022
This seminar guided local authority lawyers through some of those pitfalls to provide tips for managing a contract dispute
Legal Review: Civil and Commercial Litigation
20/01/2022
We discussed mandatory ADR, the new practice direction for witness statements, dangers when instructing experts, and a recent case...
Contract Management in the wake of COVID-19
09/07/2020
Strategies you can use to bring about improved performance or early termination
Stroke services and the duty to involve
11/03/2020
Olivia Carter is a leader in her field; has unrivalled experience of handling complex judicial reviews.