David accepts instructions across a range of areas of chambers’ work with a particular focus upon public inquiries, police law, inquests and immigration.

David is a member of the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel (‘C’ Panel).

Prior to coming to the Bar, David worked for several years in Local Government and the Civil Service. He also regularly appeared as an advocate in appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and continues to accept instructions in this area, as Counsel.

He studied law as a mature student in 2015, graduating first in his year, before being called to the Bar in 2017. Throughout his legal studies, David volunteered at Stonewall, the LGBT rights charity.

Inquests

David accepts instructions to represent all Interested Persons with a focus upon public bodies including police services and officers, NHS trusts and medical professionals, universities, and local authorities.

Local Government & Public Law
  • The Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan: David is instructed by the Ministry of Defence, via the Attorney General’s C Panel.
  • The UK Covid-19 Inquiry, chaired by the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE: David is instructed by the Cabinet Office & Number 10, via the Attorney General’s C Panel.
  • The Undercover Policing Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Mitting KC: David is instructed by the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police Service.
  • The Infected Blood Inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff KC: David was instructed by the Department of Health between January 2021 and January 2023, first via the Attorney General’s ‘Junior Junior’ Panel and subsequently via the Attorney General’s C Panel.
Police Law

David accepts instructions in all areas of Police Law. This includes: ASBIs, disclosure matters, DVPOs, SPOs, SHPOs, SROs and notification orders.

Selected Cases

  • The Chief Constable of Surrey Police v SK (2022): David Reader, instructed by Weightmans Solicitors (for a joint taskforce from Sussex & Surrey Police) secured a Slavery & Trafficking Risk Order under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 against an individual, ‘SK’. The case focussed on the exploitation of young people groomed to work in ‘County Lines’ organised crime gangs.

David accepts instructions in a wide-range of immigration, nationality and asylum matters.

He acts both for appellants and for the Secretary of State for the Home Department from whom he accepts regular instruction. This expertise affords him an excellent knowledge and understanding of the relevant law, the First Tier Tribunal process and case management & strategy.

David’s knowledge and experience in immigration and nationality law enables him to advise on such matters within family proceedings. For example, advising a Local Authority on the nationality of a child involved in care proceedings.

Direct Access

David accepts work directly from clients in accordance with our Direct Access Scheme. You can find out more about instructing him directly here or via the Direct Access Portal.

Appointments

  • Attorney General’s C Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (present)

Awards

  • Levitt Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2017)
  • 4 Kings Bench Walk Prize for Advocacy, for best overall performance (2017)
  • 5 Paper Buildings Prize for Cross Examination for best overall performance (2017)
  • The University of Law Prize for Immigration and Asylum for best overall performance (2017)
  • Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln’s Inn (2016)
  • BPTC Advocacy Scholarship, University of Law (2015/16)
  • Performance Award, University of Law (2015)
  • The University of Law Prize for the highest result nationally achieved on the LL.B (2015)
  • Award for the best overall LL.B student, University of Law (2015)
  • The Dechert Scholarship (2014)
  • Winner of the University of Law Mooting Competition, Supreme Court (2014)

Education

  • University of Law, BPTC (Very Competent) (2017)
  • University of Law, LLB, 2 year accelerated. (First Class Hons) (2015)

Memberships

  • ALBA
  • Lincoln’s Inn

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