Gough Square Chambers

Regulatory law (including regulatory crime), public law and associated areas including corporate governance and professional standards. Advises, negotiates and appears as an advocate for companies, organisations and individuals, as well as for Local Authorities and Regulatory Bodies. In regulatory crime he practices predominantly in health and safety (including fire safety), food law, trading standards, product liability (including product recalls) and environmental protection. In public law he practices predominantly in environment, planning and Local Government matters, particularly related to waste issues. David Travers QC also acts in disputes relating to the scope and exercise of statutory powers as well as issues concerning the governance of companies (including the role of good corporate governance in ensuring regulatory compliance) and the administration of Local Authorities.  He also acts for decision-makers susceptible of Judicial Review and those who are challenging the lawfulness of the exercise of discretion. He has particular experience in cases involving scientific and technical evidence. David also has extensive experience of professional conduct and disciplinary matters

In practice since 1981 after being called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (Harmsworth Scholar). Appointed Queen’s Counsel 2010. Member of the Bar Council 1995-2000. Visiting Professor at Business Accountability and Responsibility Centre, University of South Wales; Honorary Fellow of the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology; Accredited Mediator; former Legal Advisor to the Medical Practitioner Tribunal Service (formerly Legal Advisor to the General Medical Council); Legal Advisor to the General Dental Council Fitness to Practice Panel.

Publications include (with Giles Atkinson and Noemi Byrd) “Planning Law and Practice” published April 2013 by Wildy, Simmons and Hill and “Planning Enforcement” (with Emmaline Lambert and Ed Grant) published 2015. Various articles including “Towards Professional-Model Regulation of Directors’ Conduct” in the International Journal of Law and Management; Int. J.L.M. (2013) 55 (2) 123-140.

Food Law Group, Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers, Health & Safety Lawyers Association, International Bar Association, Lex Anglo-Brasil, Planning and Environment Bar Association, Midland Circuit, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Spennymoor Secondary School; King’s College London (1979 LLB, AKC; 1980 LLM); Inns of Court School of Law (1981); Regents College accredited mediator 2000