David regularly acts for professionals and high-profile individuals, and has a reassuring appreciation of the pressures and strains that clients face when subject to investigation. He also advises witnesses, corporates, and broadcasters involved in criminal proceedings in relation to reputation management and public relations.
In addition to his criminal practice, David advises companies and institutions in relation to applications to the Home Office for controlled drug licences, particularly in the context of research into cannabis and psychedelics. He has advised companies entering cannabis markets on due diligence, criminal liability, and proceeds of crime considerations.
Serious and general crime
- Representing individuals during interviews under caution
- Advising and assisting individuals under investigation by the police
- Preparing representations to police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service
- Representing individuals facing trial or sentence at the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts
- Advising victims of crime and witnesses, including individuals and corporates
- Crisis and reputation management arising from criminal allegations
Professional discipline and regulatory law
- Advising medical, legal, and financial professionals facing disciplinary proceedings
- Preparing representations to regulators arguing against prosecution
- Representing regulated professionals in fitness to practise tribunals
Cannabis law
- Assisting corporates and institutions in applying for controlled drug licences
- Advising on criminal liability under the Misuse of Drugs Act and Regulations
- Due diligence and advice in initial public offerings (IPOs)
- Proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering
Publications
- Contributor and consultant editor of The Law and Regulation of Medicines and Medical Devices (Oxford University Press, 2nd Ed. 2021)
- Regular contributor to Open Access Government and Cannabis Wealth
- Quoted in the Law Society Gazette and The Times
Professional Memberships
- London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association
- Fraud Lawyers Association
- London Irish Lawyers Association (Co-chair, 2021-present)
- Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
- European Criminal Bar Association
Career
David graduated from the University of Dundee (LLB (Hons)) before continuing his studies in London. Prior to entering private practice, David undertook an internship at the California Appellate Project, where he assisted in the representation of defendants sentenced to death in the San Francisco Bay Area. He later trained and qualified at a busy national firm, specialising in serious criminal litigation. He joined BCL in 2015 and became a partner in 2022.