David joined Hausfeld as an associate in 2011 and was promoted to partner on 1st January 2019. He specialises in complex commercial litigation.
Expertise
He is a solicitor advocate with a broad range of experience in the High Court, including both trials and interlocutory relief as well as alternative dispute resolution such as mediations. David currently acts across a range of financial services and banking disputes.
Legal Practice Course, The College of Law
Graduate Diploma in Law, The College of Law
BA, University of Warwick
Postgraduate Diploma in EC Competition Law, King's College
Solicitor, England and Wales, 2010
Higher Rights (Civil Advocacy)
Chambers UK
Ranked 'Up and Coming', David Lawne "is an exciting younger partner. He really knows his stuff and likes to push boundaries. What he has done in the environment practice is exciting. He goes above and beyond." - Environment & Climate Change, Chambers UK, 2025
Ranked 'Up and Coming', David Lawne “is a real rising star with a magnificent grasp of the detail of a case and a remarkable ability to understand the most complex expert evidence.” - Environment: Claimant, Chambers UK, 2024
'What sets him apart is his excellent judgement, which is a rare quality.' and 'His legal skills and his analysis are really great.' - Environment: Climate Change, Mainly Claimant, Chambers UK, 2023
Legal 500 UK
David Lawne has been recognised as a key lawyer for his expertise in Competition Litigation and Group Litigation Claimant by Legal 500, 2025.
Recognised as a key lawyer David 'shines for his exceptional legal prowess, strategic acumen, and steadfast dedication to achieving favourable outcomes for clients.' - Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail
Recognised for two consecutive years as a 'key lawyer'. - Civil Liberties and Human Rights, 2023 & 2024
David is recognised as a 'key lawyer' in 2023 and 2024. - Real Estate: Environment
David is listed as a 'key lawyer'. - Civil Liberties and Human Rights, 2022
David is listed as a 'key lawyer'. - Environment, 2022
David is listed as a 'key lawyer'. - Banking litigation: Investment and Retail, 2021
“David shows notable skills and experience in the area of banking and litigation and he is switched on and easy to deal with.” - Banking litigation: Investment and Retail, 2019
Lawdragon
David was recognised by Lawdragon in 2024 and 2025 in their list of 500 Global Plaintiff Lawyers for Competition and Financial Services plaintiff litigation.
Super Lawyers
In 2015, David was recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ in the field of Commercial Litigation in London.
David has played a lead role on many of our most important financial services and banking disputes since we began to diversify into this area. Recent cases include:
In the area of competition law, David has acted for claimants in several follow-on cartel damages claims, including High Court claims arising from the Paraffin Wax and Marine Hose cartels.
David played a key role as part of the legal team dealing with ground breaking claims as follows:
