David McClenaghan

Child abuse compensation.

David joined Bolt Burdon Kemp in 2010. He became partner in 2015 and is head of the firm's Abuse team. He specialises in bringing compensation claims on behlaf of survivors of sexual abuse. He has successfully brought claims on behlf of clients who have suffered abuse at the hands of Scout leaders, Boys’ Brigade Captains, clergymen (Roman Catholic Church, Church of England, Church in Wales, Evangelical Church), youth club leaders, teachers, sports coaches, foster carers, care home staff and family members.

David is a solicitor advocate and regularly appears in the High Court and CICA Tribunal on behalf of his clients. He frequently appears in the national broadcast and print media providing expert commentary on child abuse law and issues.

Reported cases include: GLB v TH [2012] ALL ER D 329, as advocate, David secured his client one of the highest-ever awards of general damaged in a child abuse compensation claim; CXX v DXX [2012] ALL ER (D) 22, clarified the law in respect of whether or not a defendant who has been convicted of an offence is permitted to deny that offence in a subsequent civil claim; FZO v Haringey [2019] EWHC 1286 (QB) representing a child abuse survivor who was awarded a record-breaking £1.1 million in damages. 

St Malachy’s College, Belfast; Queen’s University, Belfast (2005 LLB (Hons)); University of Exeter (2006 Legal Practice Course).