David joined DWF in May 2007 from another leading firm, Cobbetts, where he had been a partner since 1988.

David is a specialist in divorce and family work and has built up a national reputation for his skills in these areas. The law is so complicated today that most lawyers specialise early, but David is pleased he received a ‘mixed bag’ training with experience in areas as diverse as crime and personal injury.

David says: “Lawyers in general have a negative image but to be a top divorce lawyer you have to be a good listener. You are dealing with people’s misery and are there to give guidance and support at a traumatic period.” His work covers divorce, child abduction cases and financial settlements.

David’s manner is both affable and authoritative. He is a passionate Manchester United FC fan and a keen golfer and skier. His philosophy to life is summed up by his maxim: “My attitude to life is to work hard and to play harder.” Given his professional reputation and work ethic it is not surprising that when he looks for an accountancy firm to advise on the forensic accountancy side of divorce cases he expects the best. David says: “When I am valuing the business assets in a divorce case I look to accountants for expertise. I have known Cassons and Ashley Hayman for a number of years and we have fostered good relations. I use Ashley for financial expertise as I find he is someone that I can talk to and have a good relationship with. There has to be a good professional relationship and rapport.”

It is not surprising that the downturn in the economy is leading to an upturn in divorce. “People are taking their business difficulties home” says David. And predictably after the Christmas break David was busy seeing couples who had found the extended time together simply too much! He says: “When people are confined together difficulties spill out.”

Although the marriages David comes into contact with professionally are far from happy, one marriage that is a very happy one is the professional marriage between lawyers DWF and accountants Cassons where respect and good communication are the norm.

You can visit DWF’s website at www.dwf.co.uk