Ranked by his peers as a leading junior in criminal law in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500, David has a formidable reputation for meticulous preparation which shines through in his polished courtroom advocacy. David is praised equally for his skill in cross-examination and closing speeches as he is for his persuasive written advocacy.
David is a versatile advocate who deliberately maintains an eclectic and diverse practice. Recent instructions range from heavyweight allegations of homicide, serious violence and organised crime, to cases of rape and ‘historical’ sexual offences requiring a delicate touch, to esoteric and intellectually challenging fraud work.
In addition to criminal trials, David advises on and conducts fresh criminal appeals and is a contributor to the leading textbook, Taylor on Criminal Appeals (OUP 2012).
David also has expertise in crime-related public law, extradition, courts martial, actions against the police and inquests.
David has contributed chapters to Taylor on Criminal Appeals, edited by Paul Taylor (OUP 2012): The Law of Public Order and Protest (OUP 2010); and Human Rights in the Investigation and Prosecution of Crime, edited by Jonathan Cooper OBE and Madeleine Colvin (OUP 2009). For many years he wrote a quarterly column, Life in Crime, in the Solicitors' Journal. He also regularly presents seminars on his specialist areas of practice.
David is approved as a pupil supervisor by Middle Temple.
David is captain of the KBW Cricket Club (‘The Devil’s Advocates’), a wandering team of barrister-cricketers which plays across the south east of England and has toured Europe and the USA.
David has acted as a legal consultant to BBC Radio 4 in the production of a courtroom drama series.
Year of Call: 2002; Middle Temple.
Publications of note: Human Rights in the Investigation & Prosecution of Crime (Jonathan Cooper and Madeline Colvin eds) – OUP 2009; The Law of Public Order and Protest (co-author) – OUP 2010.
Criminal Bar Association
BA (1st Class Hons) – University of York Visiting Scholar – University of California, Berkeley M.Phil – Lincoln College, University of Oxford PDGL – City University
Captain of the King’s Bench Walk Cricket Club, a wandering team of barrister-cricketers.