David is a full-time arbitrator and mediator, with a practice covering a wide range of international commercial disputes. The Chambers UK Guide has described him as “a figure right at the heart of the commercial dispute resolution world”.
Arbitration
David is regularly appointed as a chairman, panel member and sole arbitrator in arbitrations conducted under the rules of international arbitral institutions, and on an “ad hoc” basis. His appointments include appointments under the rules of: the LCIA, ICC, LMAA, SIAC, SCC, NAI, and UNCITRAL.
His recent appointments have included disputes in areas such as: shipping and shipbuilding, commodities and international sale of goods, energy, oil rigs, finance, securitisation, derivatives, share sales and warranties, corporate fraud, joint ventures, limited liability partnerships, insurance/reinsurance, and international infrastructure projects.
He is a Full Member of the LMAA, and chaired the drafting committee responsible for the 2017 revision of the LMAA Terms. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and has been appointed to the panels of numerous arbitration institutions.
Mediation
David has been mediating disputes since being accredited as a mediator in 2002.
The cases which he mediates are often international, and frequently factually or legally complex. His experience as an arbitrator and barrister means that he can provide robust reality testing where appropriate. He is committed to working with parties to find pragmatic solutions to apparently intractable disputes.
David has conducted mediation ‘virtually’, working with the parties to ensure a fair and effective process.
Recent mediation appointments have included disputes in the areas of: shipping and maritime claims; superyachts; commodity sales; finance and derivatives; fiduciary asset management; corporate fraud; joint ventures; company acquisition; international legal services; pharmaceuticals; public procurement; product liability; and infrastructure projects.
He has regularly been involved in training mediators internationally, and has been appointed to numerous mediation panels.
David is also listed within The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for mediation, which highlights individuals who have received ongoing praise, from clients, for their continued excellence.
Professional background
David was a barrister for over 30 years before becoming an arbitrator and mediator, and was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2006. His practice involved advocacy and advisory work in arbitration and litigation relating to a wide spectrum of international cases, including complex technical issues, and cases involving states and state bodies.
French.