Law
Published: April 22, 2024 | Updated: 22nd April 2024
One of Hampshire’s best-known insolvency and restructuring specialists has celebrated a half century in law.
Family, friends, colleagues – current and former – and clients of David Oliver gathered at Isadore Goldman in Portsmouth where he acts as a consultant.
David’s journey in law began even earlier than 1974, in fact some 14 years before in 1960.
He worked as a tea boy in a firm near Portsmouth using his spare time to study while working.
While attending law school in Guildford, David’s wife Sue worked to support him.
His perseverance and hard work paid off as he rose through the ranks, from articled clerk to eventually becoming a partner in local firm, Glanvilles.
David’s ambition and entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture out on his own, founding Oliver & Co.
The practice later merged to become Sherwin Oliver and then part of Blake Morgan, under the name Blake Lapthorn, where he spearheaded the Insolvency and Business Recovery team.
David’s last stop before becoming part of Isadore Goldman was at Verisona Law.
Beyond his professional practice, David has contributed to the legal community through various roles including serving as Deputy Coroner for Portsmouth, a qualified Arbitrator, a lecturer at the university, and a Deputy District Judge.
His activities also extended beyond the legal field, including a foray into the world of cable television, the development of the local marina and as adviser to the group that set up the Transplant Games.
One of the defining moments in David’s legal career was his leadership in the rescue of Portsmouth Football Club where he’s been a lifelong supporter.
As part of the team at Verisona Law, he played a pivotal role in what is not just a landmark case for insolvency and business turnaround but also a cherished achievement for the Portsmouth community.
The significance of this feat was recognised at the Insolvency & Rescue Awards in 2014, where David’s team won the ‘Business Rescue of the Year’ award.
His expertise was instrumental in a number of landmark legal cases including the successful defence of a wrongful trading claim.
The accomplishment, among many others, further solidified David’s status as an esteemed practitioner and a thought leader in insolvency law.
He is the only Senior Statesman recognised for insolvency in the South of England in Chambers & Partners.
In 2016 his commitment and contributions to the legal profession were celebrated with a lifetime achievement award at the Portsmouth Business Excellence Awards.
Isadore Goldman said: “As David Oliver celebrates 50 years in the law, his journey from the tea room to the courtroom is a compelling narrative of perseverance, excellence, and professional integrity.
“Congratulations to David.”
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