Returning Partner Rejoins to Strengthen London Commercial Disputes Practice 

We are thrilled to have welcomed back David Vaughan as a partner in our London-based commercial disputes team.

David – who will play a key role in driving the growth of our London office and building our expertise in high-value, complex and multi-jurisdictional international disputes – brings extensive experience acting for corporates, financial institutions, sovereign states and high-net-worth individuals in both litigation and arbitration.

A Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), his expertise spans international commercial disputes, often involving multiple jurisdictions, and he has a strong track record in the financial services sector. He also previously headed the French Desk at Irwin Mitchell, supporting clients with interests in France and French-speaking jurisdictions.

Most recently an international disputes partner at Irwin Mitchell, David has also held partner roles at Collyer Bristow and BLM. In a previous spell at Shakespeare Martineau, he built a strong commercial litigation brand in London.

David, who will be based in our London office but working with clients nationally, said: “I was drawn back to Shakespeare Martineau by its entrepreneurial spirit, sustainable growth strategy and strong values. The diversity of my work – particularly in international disputes – is both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to building on the team’s expertise in this area while contributing to the growth of our London office and the firm as a whole.”

His recent highlights include defending a £5m claim for breach of a share purchase agreement, pursuing £4m for breach of a revenue sharing agreement, acting for an ultra-high-net-worth individual in a £20m joint venture dispute and representing a hedge fund in a $12m New York arbitration.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “David’s return is fantastic news for both our clients and our people. His reputation, technical skill and deep experience in cross-border disputes will further strengthen our offering in the London market and beyond. His arrival also comes at a pivotal moment for us as we prepare to relocate to our new home on the 19th floor of The Shard – a move that reinforces our commitment to the capital, our national client base and our ambitious growth trajectory.”