David J. Lant
Partner
Litigation/Dispute Resolution
E: david.lant@kingsley-wood.com
David has broad proficiency as a disputes and company commercial lawyer. He has worked for renowned firms in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and Dubai.
During David’s time in Dubai, he established a new litigation team for a prominent regional firm. In 2015 his efforts on behalf of an investment banker client in redacting a high profile judgment, led to recognition by winning an award from the DIFC Courts.
David has been operating as a Consultant since 2017. He works from home in rural Northumberland.
David’s experience includes holding a post as director of a retail company with a £25m turnover, giving him invaluable knowledge of how such a business runs and the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. This allows him to empathise with his clients, approaching issues with legal expertise and commercially minded pragmatism.
David qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate in 2021, giving him higher rights of audience in the Civil Courts (equivalent to a barrister).
He is known for plain speaking, tenacity and achieving outstanding results. David carries out a full range of disputes work and specialises in director/shareholder disputes. He is adept in handling Unfair Prejudice Petitions and has secured settlements worth millions of pounds.
In his spare time outside work, he enjoys walking his dogs on the Northumberland coast and being with his family.
about
David is an accomplished and rounded Solicitor-Advocate. Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2006, he is proactive and commercially minded. David is regarded by clients and peers as plain speaking, tenacious and a first-class strategist. He is highly effective at absorbing details and drafting bespoke documents. Produces structured and pragmatic advice for clients, delivering positive outcomes. David has substantial experience in dispute resolution and possesses key traits for a successful litigator: he is methodical, knowledgeable, and thorough.
Recent Matters
my work
Recent matters include acting for a minority shareholder in an unfair prejudice petition under Section 994 of the Companies Act 2006. The claim was successfully settled after court proceedings were issued, resulting in the Respondents being compelled to sell the company to a third party for £4 million, with each shareholder receiving £1 million. He has also represented shareholders in a derivative claim and rectification of the Companies House register following unlawful filings. His experience includes obtaining an injunction for a high-net-worth client based in Monaco to compel the release of a vintage motor vehicle held by a UK restorer in a dispute over fees, advising a major grain trading and storage co-operative in relation to a £5 million insurance dispute, and counselling a public limited company in connection with a complex construction dispute.
Interest
about me
David is an avid traveller, surfer and plays squash in his spare time. He has surfed in many different countries, at the same time soaking up the culture, including South Africa, Morocco, Oman, Lebanon, Portugal. He lives near the Northumberland coast and can be found there on his days off.
David has a taste for adventure and completed the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso, Norway which is the northern most marathon in the world. He has also run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
David has two children and is a dog lover. He has an English Springer Spaniel and German Pointer.
Awards & Experience
my expertise
He is a Solicitor-Advocate (Civil) with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) from the University of Manchester and completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in London.
