Claire van Overdijk is a highly regarded Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers where she specialises in private client law. She is recognised as “exceptional in cases involving complex overlapping issues of jurisdiction, finance, or particularly difficult family dynamics” and “efficient, precise, passionate and absolutely dedicated to getting the best for her clients” (Chambers & Partners 2020 & 2021). She was shortlisted as “Advocate of the Year” at the 2019/2020 STEP Private Client Awards and is recognised as an expert in cross border disputes.
Claire has extensive experience in mental capacity law, is recognised as a leader in the health & welfare and property & affairs jurisdiction of the Court of Protection and is described as “go-to counsel for international mental capacity matters” (Chambers and Partners 2020).
She has co-authored several publications relating to the Court of Protection’s jurisdiction including "The International Protection of Adults" (OUP), a text widely referred to by private client practitioners dealing with cross border mental capacity law. She is also co-editor of "Court of Protection Practice" and "Mental Capacity Law and Practice".
Claire is appointed to the Panel Counsel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (A Panel) and to the Attorney General’s Civil Panel Counsel (B Panel). She also acts as Chair of the STEP Mental Capacity Global SIG Steering Committee, Secretary to the Court of Protection Bar Association, and as a Committee Member of COPPA (London). She is a member of the Panel of Presiding Judges for the 2021/2022 STEP Private Client Awards.
Previously, Claire was a Teaching Fellow at UCL where she taught Private International Law on the Master of Laws programme and Public International Law on the Bachelor of Laws course.
Claire is a mother of two and a keen sportswoman. She frequently runs for charity and enjoys new sporting challenges, usually in a rowing boat on the Thames.