Expertise
Deidre Olivier is a Director at Fairbridges Wertheim Becker, specialising in public, administrative, municipal, and constitutional law. With over 28 years of post-qualification experience, Deirdre advises municipalities, public entities, and private clients on regulatory compliance, procurement law, urban planning, and complex litigation matters.
Her practice includes drafting and defending municipal by-laws, advising on zoning and land use regulations, managing environmental compliance issues, and representing clients in administrative, regulatory, and procurement litigation. She has handled numerous urgent interdicts, judicial reviews, and appeals related to public authority decision-making processes.
Deidre regularly advises on compliance with legislation such as SPLUMA, MFMA, NEMA, and the Housing Act, and represents municipalities in property development and land use disputes. Her experience also includes mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes involving public and private sector clients.
Notable highlights of her career include successfully representing the City of Cape Town in urgent interdict proceedings against the EFF, winning a Supreme Court of Appeal matter defending the City’s emergency housing policy, and securing victories in environmental litigation linked to planning approvals.
Methodology
Clients appreciate Deidre’s strategic, clear, and solutions-oriented advice. Her in-depth understanding of public law frameworks, combined with her practical litigation and advisory skills, ensures effective results for her clients in both contentious and advisory matters.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (University of Cape Town, 1989)
- Bachelor of Laws (University of Cape Town, 1991)
Membership of Professional Bodies
- Qualified Mediator via FAMSA
- Member of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners
- Recognised by Best Lawyers in Litigation (2025)
