David obtained a first class degree in law from Cambridge University in 1991. He was called to the Bar in 1993. He is a recognised specialist in property and landlord and tenant related matters, and has been identified as a leader at the bar in the fields of chancery and commercial dispute resolution. He was formerly a Deputy Adjudicator to HM Land Registry, and was appointed a Judge of the Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal in 2013.
Experience
Agricultural Landlord and Tenant
David is regularly instructed in connection with disputes arising under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995. His recent instruction in this area include:
representing a client in contested County Court proceedings concerning the validity of s.28(4) AHA 1986 tenant’s counter-notice,
representing a client in a contested arbitration concerning alleged breaches of obligations to farm in accordance with the rules of good husbandry,
advising a client in respect of limitation issues arising in connection with a claim for statutory compensation for dilapidations after termination of a tenancy,
acting in connection with disputes concerning the question whether a tenancy attracted the protection of the 1986 Act.
Adverse Possession, Easements and Profits, and Boundary Disputes
Please refer to David’s Property CV for full details of his expertise in these areas. David’s recent instructions in the agricultural and rural affairs context include:
representing a consortium of shooting clubs in an adverse possession dispute against the RSPB, advising a farmer in connection with allegations of nuisance by flooding, advising a client in respect of the transmission of fishing rights, acting for a land-owner in connection with a dispute against O2 over retention of a mobile phone masts, advising a land-owner in respect of the extent of permissible use of an expressly granted right of way ‘for agricultural purposes’.
Commercial and Partnership Disputes
David is regularly instructed in connection with disputes arising out of quarrying and landfilling operations, including disputes arising out of quarry leases. He has acted for parties on dissolution of farming partnerships.
"David is meticulous, highly intelligent and the go-to barrister in property related matters. He is personable and his advice is detailed and succinct."
Legal 500 2023 (Property and Construction)
"David is a great all-round barrister. His technical knowledge is second to none and he is very approachable."
Chambers UK 2023 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)
"Friendly, commercially-focused and a man who shows great attention to detail."
Chambers UK 2023 (Chancery)
"David is very authoritative and methodical. He brings a degree of weight to his client's case."
Chambers UK 2023 (Real Estate)
"He is incredibly well respected."
Chambers UK 2022 (Chancery)
"David is very bright and, what’s more, this is instantly obvious to clients. He is particularly good at getting his point across in a manner that is both simple and yet instils confidence. He turns work around very quickly and is very user friendly."
Legal 500 2022 (Property and Construction)
"Highly knowledgeable but also approachable."
Chambers UK 2022 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)
"He is very good and raises very good points."
Chambers UK 2022 (Real Estate)
“He is the complete package: his drafting style is superb, he's a superb advocate and he's just a barrister who works with you.” “He is exceptionally good with clients and makes me feel at ease.”
Chambers UK 2021
“His paperwork is excellent and his advocacy is calm and considered. When he’s in court, he almost gives off an aura of calm.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Highly professional and hard working.”
Legal 500 2020
Appointments
Deputy Adjudicator to HM Land Registry (2008-2013)
Judge of the Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal (appointed 2013)
Memberships
David is a member of the Chancery Bar Association and of the Midlands Chancery and Commercial Bar Association.
Pupil supervisor.
Member of the Association of Midland Mediators.
Qualifications
First class degree in Law from Cambridge University.
Wolfson Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn).
Hardwicke Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn).
Hubert Greenland Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn).
Accredited Mediator.
