About David

David was graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1984 and the University of New Brunswick Law School in 1987. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1988.

David's practice is divided principally among insurance defence, labour and employment issues, and commercial suits, although he also provides advice to self governing professions and clients on public policy or governance matters.

David's advice to insurers or self insureds is focused on liability and coverage disputes arising from automobile, disability, errors and omissions, and property and subrogated claims. His representation of individuals, businesses and institutions in legal proceedings tend to focus on disputes involving commercial contracts, tortious conduct, conduct of fiduciaries, shareholder disagreements and oppression remedies. In labour and employment matters, David is called on to provide advice on hiring practices and workplace policies, employment contracts and collective agreements, grievance arbitrations or wrongful dismissal claims, termination practices, pay equity, human rights, workers' compensation and occupational health and safety.

David has appeared before all levels of courts in Nova Scotia, many administrative tribunals, including the Workers Compensation Appeal Board (now WCAT), the Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board, the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Tribunal, and the Utility and Review Board. As well, David has been representing clients in alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediation, throughout his career.

While at law school, David was the co-winner of the Harrison Memorial Shield, participated in the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Kingston, Ontario, and was President of the Law Students Society. In 1995, David took a leave of absence for 18 months from his practice to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice for the Province of Nova Scotia. As well, David has lectured on constitutional government at St. Mary's University.

David is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Nova Scotia Barristers Society, the Canadian Defence Lawyers Association and the Defence Research Institute. He is a past President and Commissioner of the Nova Scotia Law Reform Commission (1998-2003), a past Secretary and Board member of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (2000-2002), a past President and Board member of The Scots: The North British Society (1996-2005), and past President of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party (2004-2006).  Presently David serves as President of the Canadian Bar Association's Nova Scotia branch.

David and his wife Tammy reside in Halifax with their two daughters.