Napier and Sons Solicitors

Father of one of the firm's senior partners, Brigid Napier, and uncle of Litigation Partner Joseph Napier, Sir Oliver worked in the firm, apprentice to his father. Upon qualifying as a solicitor in 1958, he remained in practice until his retirement in 2000.

Sir Oliver served as Minister of Law Reform in the Northern Ireland Powersharing Executive in 1974 and leader of the Alliance Party between 1973 and 1984. His vision was for a peaceful Northern Ireland, governed through joint efforts across the religious and political divide. It was very much a forward-thinking view for the time and one which is largely representative of the approach adopted by the main political parties in Northern Ireland today. David Ford, the current leader of the Alliance Party, has described Sir Oliver as a "visionary" and tributes have been paid from all sections of the community. Sir Oliver was awarded a knighthood in 1985, chaired the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights between 1988 and 1992 and was appointed to the Northern Ireland Peace Forum for North Down. He also sat on the Board of Governors of the first integrated School in Northern Ireland - Lagan College.

A well known bankruptcy expert during his time in Napier & Sons, Sir Oliver retained an interest in the continued success of the practice throughout his life. His expertise in field of bankruptcy helped lay the foundations of the firm's growing reputation as a leader in this area of law. Sir Oliver, who had one predeceased child, is survived by his wife, Briege, 8 children and 22 grandchildren.