Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

David is a senior partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper who has undertaken leading management roles within the firm over the past 25 years. Appointed managing partner in 2008, he became chief executive in 2013 following the high profile merger of Penningtons and Manches and held this position until October 2022 when he passed the reins to new chief executive Helen Drayton after a six month transition period.

Widely respected for his calm and inclusive approach, he continues to support Helen and the leadership team, helping the firm shape and develop its strategy both in the UK and globally. He maintains a strong involvement with the firm’s sustainability agenda as it pursues long-term systemic change and works towards reaching net zero.

Prior to taking on the chief executive role, David’s legal experience included a couple of decades as a tort lawyer specialising in clinical negligence, an area in which the firm is regarded as a front-runner, as well as overseeing tortious and contractual claims arising from accidents abroad.

Qualified 1986; partner Penningtons 1991; chief executive 2008.