David has more than 35 years of experience, advising clients on all aspects of non-contentious and contentious construction law. His experience includes drafting, negotiating and amending construction contracts, consultant’s appointments, performance bonds, warranties and guarantees.
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
My interest in law developed from doing an A level in Economics and Politics which included a comparative study of the UK and US constitutions. I wanted to do a degree course which would lead to a career, and law then seemed the obvious choice. The choice between the Barrister and Solicitor branches of the profession was also fairly easy – advocacy in an open court has never appealed to me.
What was your route through to qualification?
Pretty traditional. After a law degree at Durham, I did the old six month Law Society course at the College of Law in Chester, then spent two years as an “articled clerk”, as trainee solicitors were then known, at Rowe & Maw (now Mayer Brown) before qualifying in 1981.
When/how/why did you come to Newmanor?
I headed the Construction Law team at Boodle Hatfield, where I was a partner along with Karen and James, with whom I worked closely on a lot of projects. After I retired from full time practice I was approached by Karen and asked if I would like to deal with a residential development project. The rest is history!
What is your favourite type of transaction and why?
Anything with a construction or engineering angle. I have spent most of my career dealing with construction and engineering contracts and am fascinated by the technical side of the construction process.
What aspects of 4. do you enjoy the most?
Helping clients find a way through unusual problems.
What is the most challenging transaction you have dealt with?
Thar’s a good question. There have been some difficult and unusual projects – offshore structures, military facilities and early data centres – but probably the
most challenging was a large residential development in Gibraltar, constructed by a Spanish contractor. There were cultural differences and almost complete mistrust between the parties. To say the least, negotiations were difficult and protracted.
What in general is the most challenging aspect of your working day?
Getting started in the morning – I am most definitely not a morning person!
What in general is the most rewarding time of your day?
Getting the deal done, no matter the time of day!
How do you de-stress /relax in your spare time?
Spending time with my growing family! We have three children and four grandchildren. I enjoy cooking, gardening and tinkering with one or other of my cars, particularly the 22 year old Smart Roadster – a bit like a road legal go kart! I am also the vice-chair of a charity in Rutland, but that can be a bit of a busman’s holiday!