Insurance & Reinsurance
David has been instructed in many policy construction and contested indemnity cases. He undertakes a wide range of PL and EL related policy work, particularly where integrated with other areas of expertise (such as disease litigation).
Originally rated as a “New Silk” in Insurance work by Legal 500 (2011/12).
Selected Cases
- Recently instructed in the PL “Trigger” Litigation, Weyer v Riverstone Insurance UK [2022-3]
- Instructed in the group EL “Trigger” litigation involving mesothelioma claims and historic EL policies: The Employers’ Liability “Trigger” Litigation [2012] 1 WLR 867; [2011] 1 PIQR P2 and [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 295.
- Acted for insurers in Blanchard v Kiln & Well Operations UK Limited (2011) CLCC, in which the Court was asked to give a precedent judgment on marine diving insurance.
- Appeared in a number of major fire claims e.g. Cornhill Insurance v Stamp Felt Roofing, [2002] Lloyd’s Rep IR 648, Court of Appeal (policy construction / insurance).
- Ferngold Plant Hire v Wenham [2000] CL 1474, LTL 13/3/2000 (CA).
- Ferngold Plant Hire v Crowe Underwriting Services Ltd (CA).
News
- Abbott & Ors v. Ministry of Defence [2022] EWHC 1807 (QB): bulk claim form impermissible
- Applications to set aside judgment are not to be seen as relief from sanction cases. The Denton test does not apply
Articles
- Abbott & Ors v. Ministry of Defence [2022] EWHC 1807 (QB): bulk claim form impermissible
- Applications to set aside judgment are not to be seen as relief from sanction cases. The Denton test does not apply
Events
Qualifications
- MA (Law) Trinity Hall, Cambridge (scholar)
Memberships
- London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
- Personal Injuries Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
Recommendations
“He is the stand-out silk in disease litigation and the one to go to for complex or leading issues.”….. “He has a huge capacity to absorb details of a case and a proper academic understanding of quite difficult issues that arise.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“One of the best disease silks in the country. Provides clear and analytical advice. He understands the broader commercial realities.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
‘David is a Rolls Royce of a silk. Excellent robust and no-nonsense advice.’
Legal 500, 2024
“He is an incredibly intelligent person who offers logical advice. He is pragmatic, down to earth and very effective.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“David is without doubt the finest silk in practice in respect of his asbestos work.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Superb to work with – the advice he provides is clear, commercially sensible and tactically astute.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“He is a very good advocate who is always on top of his game and is well respected by both clients and opponents.” “He is bright, enthusiastic and extremely experienced in high-level disease cases.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“A real expert when it comes to dealing with complex medical and scientific issues and handling multiple experts on these issues.”
Legal 500, 2021
“A top-quality barrister who really knows his area.”; “He’s a very impressive advocate and has a good head for complex issues.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“Always immaculately prepared, demonstrating mastery of the papers. He has a prodigious intellect and is also highly personable and approachable. He understands the value of relationships.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
“His courtroom manner is confident. He presents the arguments in a clear and logical fashion.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
“He never wastes a word and just instinctively knows what the pressure points are for a judge.”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
