• BA (Hons) in English Literature, University of Cambridge (Double First Class) 
• MA in European Culture and Thought, University College London (Distinction)
• Graduate Diploma in Law, University of Law (Commendation)
• LL.M. in Public International Law, with specialism in International Refugee and Migration Law, Leiden University, The Netherlands (Cum Laude)
• Bar Vocational Studies, City, University of London (Very Competent)

• International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition, The Hague, 2019 (Winner)
• European Court of Human Rights Moot Court Competition, Strasbourg, 2021 (Third Place)
• Dame Frances Mathews Scholarship in English, Peterhouse, University of Cambridge
• College Prize (Part II examinations), Peterhouse, University of Cambridge
• Bar Vocational Studies Scholarship, City Law School
• Lord Mansfield (Top Scholarship), Lincoln’s Inn

Olivia’s immigration practice is wide-ranging and encompasses both business and personal immigration matters. 

Olivia regularly assists clients with applications under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules, including spouse, fiancé(e), and unmarried partner applications. She is experienced in advising on the complexities of the  financial  minimum income requirement in partner and family applications, as well as cases involving previous refusals or complex immigration histories.  

Olivia also assists individuals and companies with preparing applications in business migration routes, including Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence applications. 

Olivia also deals with applications for permission to remain in the UK on the basis of human rights, and also prepares appeals against the refusal of human rights and asylum claims, including drafting grounds of appeal and skeleton arguments. She represents clients in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal.

Olivia is also experienced in assisting clients with nationality applications for adults and children, including applications to naturalise or to register as a British citizen. 

Olivia has a particular interest in assisting artists, performers and creative practitioners with applications under the Global Talent visa route, and often assists promising and talented individuals with both Stage 1 endorsements and Stage 2 immigration applications in this route. 

Before she joined Richmond Chambers in 2019, Olivia worked at the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) in Brussels, alongside immigration and refugee lawyers across 23 European countries. She conducted legal research for ECRE on the withdrawal of reception conditions for asylum seekers in Europe under the EU Reception Conditions Directive. 

Prior to this, Olivia worked at the AIRE Centre, a European human rights NGO. She conducted research into international and European asylum law and its application in the Western Balkans, in conjunction with lawyers from the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and the United Nations International Organization for Migration. 

Olivia also delivered lectures on the Refugee Studies MSc course at London South Bank University. 

While studying Public International Law in the Netherlands, Olivia worked with the Migration Law Clinic of the Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law. She assisted human rights and immigration lawyers by conducting legal research, and drafted a third-party intervention in an asylum-related case before the European Court of Human Rights. 

In the Netherlands, Olivia was also involved with Amnesty International’s student network, and chaired a panel event in partnership with Sea Watch and Jugend Rettet concerning the criminalisation of NGO migrant rescue missions in the Mediterranean.

Since 2022 Olivia has been a sitting member of the Junior Members’ Committee, a sub-Committee of the Bar Representation Committee, at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

• Spanish (~B2 upper-intermediate)
• French (~B2 upper-intermediate)

“My spouse and I had the pleasure of working with Olivia Waddell at Richmond Chambers for our spouse visa application. Olivia demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a warm, attentive approach throughout the process.

Olivia’s organisational skills were outstanding. She helped us stay informed about our progress and remaining tasks, making the whole process less stressful.

Despite facing several challenges, such as tight deadlines, extensive financial evidence, and navigating the Priority Service, Olivia guided us through each step with patience and attention to detail. When the Priority Service wasn’t available online, she went the extra mile to seek information from her colleagues, and we were able to book it directly at the application centre.

Olivia’s support was invaluable when we needed to obtain unaudited accounts within a tight time frame. Her clear guidance and prompt communication with our accountant ensured the timely submission of the required documents. Moreover, she helped us understand the necessity of a last-minute tuberculosis test, ensuring we complied with all health regulations.

We are incredibly grateful to Olivia for her assistance in achieving a successful outcome. Her diligence, genuine care for her clients, and warm approach made the entire process much more manageable. We highly recommend Olivia Waddell at Richmond Chambers for immigration services. Thank you, Olivia, for your exceptional support and expertise throughout our journey.”

Jaymee Coonjobeeharry – application for a UK Spouse Visa approved

“I highly recommend Olivia and the whole Richmond Chambers team for anyone seeking immigration services. Olivia is an incredibly knowledgeable and skilled attorney who helped my partner and I successfully navigate the complex UK immigration

From our first meeting, we were impressed by Olivia’s professionalism and her dedication to achieving a positive outcome for the both of us. Olivia was always available to answer our questions despite the timezone difference and she provided clear, concise explanations of the legal processes involved in our case.

Olivia also demonstrated a deep understanding of the immigration system and was able to provide invaluable advice and guidance throughout the entire process. Olivia was patient and supportive throughout our application.

I cannot recommend Olivia from Richmond Chambers enough – She truly went above and beyond to help us achieve our immigration goals.”

Matt Featherstone – application for a UK Ancestry Visa and Dependent Partner Visa approved

“From our initial video meeting with Olivia, we were impressed with her attention to detail and professionalism. To start with, Olivia provided a checklist which was very detailed but necessary. She was always available for any queries that we may have had throughout the process.

We are very grateful to Richmond Chambers through Olivia as our settlement visas were approved on the first attempt. Couldn’t have done any of these without their help. It’s definitely worth budgeting for the services offered by Richmond Chambers.

Olivia and her team provided these services to the highest level and we are happy to recommend you to family and friends that might be in need of your services.”

Margaret Rwaro – applications for entry clearance as as Spouse and Child granted