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David has decades of experience representing clients in international arbitration and cross border investigations across Asia Pacific, Europe and beyond.

He has been practising in Japan since 2004 and has extensive experience in helping leading Japanese and international corporates on a range of substantial cross-border commercial disputes in international arbitration. He also helps clients with investigations and claims arising from fraud and anti-corruption matters. David has particular expertise in the automotives, pharmaceutical, energy, technology, construction and heavy industries sectors.

With substantial experience in the Japanese legal market, David is consistently recognised as a leading individual for dispute resolution in Japan by independent legal directories. Ranked in the top tier by both Chambers Asia-Pacific and Legal 500, clients say "he is excellent at every aspect" and "properly demonstrates attentive leadership at the right time when leading a matter" (Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023). David is described as an "outstanding litigator, who works hard for his client" (Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2023).

David is particularly renowned for his experience in international commercial arbitration. He represents and conducts the advocacy for clients in arbitrations under various institutional rules.

David is licensed to practise as a registered foreign lawyer in Japan as a Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi.

Experience & expertise

Selected matters

  • representing a major Japanese manufacturer in relation to high value claims in SIAC arbitration in Singapore
  • representing the subsidiary of a major pharmaceutical company in ICC arbitration proceedings on the termination of a drug co-promotion agreement in Singapore
  • representing a Japanese company in JCAA arbitration in Tokyo concerning claims arising out of the sale of manufacturing businesses
  • representing a major Japanese company in HKIAC arbitration in relation to claims arising out of corporate acquisitions
  • advising several leading Japanese companies in relation to anti-corruption investigations and resulting civil claims