He has won some of the largest and most high-profile arbitrations in the world, including two cases accorded “international arbitration team of the year” by Legal Business. He has also been voted as an “MVP” for international arbitration by Law 360 and is recognised as a leader in his field by multiple directories, which describe him as “a superb advocate”. His clients note: “He's excellent and has a great way of understanding complex issues and making them commercially understandable for the lay person. We rate him highly." (Chambers UK 2025).
David has an undefeated track record of success in investor-state arbitration, acting both for investors and for states over the last two decades, including in several multi-billion euro disputes. Beyond these cases, David has also obtained favourable awards or settlements for clients in dozens of commercial arbitrations under the arbitral rules of the ICC, LCIA, IDRCC, AAA and UNCITRAL.
David is licensed to practice EU law and is highly experienced in that field. This enables him to advise clients in arbitration and litigation matters with an EU law element. For example, he currently acts for renewable energy investors in multiple enforcement proceedings involving both EU law and the ICSID Convention. In addition, David has acted for several of the largest foreign investors in India and has more than 10 years’ experience of advising on disputes arising from those investments, including arbitrations and related litigation in the Indian courts.
David has particular expertise in disputes relating to the renewable energy, telecoms and technology sectors.