David graduated with an engineering degree and then turned to law. He joined Clyde & Co in 1981 and became a partner in 1984. David has wide international experience, having spent time in the firm’s Hong Kong office from 1983 to 1986 and as senior litigation partner in the firm’s Middle East regional office, based in Dubai, between 1996 and 1999.
His background is in commercial dispute resolution, focusing in particular on the energy industry. He has extensive expertise in international litigation and arbitration as well as other dispute resolution techniques. David has either worked in or had direct experience of legal work in over 40 countries worldwide.
He was heavily involved in the major dispute resolution issues arising from the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988, and has successfully taken two cases to victory in the House of Lords in London.
A particular speciality of his relates to FPSOs, which combine the traditional strengths of Clyde & Co in the maritime field with issues between operators and contractors concerning construction, maintenance and operations issues and on-going production targets and requirements. Over recent years, David has added LNG transactions to his range of activities, with particular emphasis on SPAs and charter arrangements.