David A. Southern FCIArb, LL.M (Senior Consultant)
My strong skillset of advocacy, legal practice, international cross-border dispute management and counsel within niche commercial practice areas means I can add value to a wide range of engagements
- Qualified Barrister-at-Law in Hong Kong Chambers
- Arbitrator and Arbitration Counsel Expertise
- Extensive Thai Law Firm Experience - Commodities / Trade / Commerce / Fintech / Logistics / Renewables
- Masters Degree (LLM) in Shipping Law, Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
- Oxford Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration Law & Fellow of CIArb
Philosophy
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David has been through and practised within highly regulated ethical regimes as a barrister-at-law, solicitor, arbitrator and counsel. David will advise with the client ‘best interests’ at the forefront of his mind and will rigorously avoid conflict and self-interest whilst challenging third parties who adopt a different approach.
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David has applied strong efforts to focussing on select areas where he can excel and support clients with his focus: commodities; international trade; fintech; logistics and renewable energy. This enables clients in those segments to trust that David understands their business and can shape his counsel accordingly.
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David has a rich substantive spread of academic learning ranging from his Masters in Shipping Law, Fellowship and Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration to his Management Skills; Psychology; Negotiation and Leadership Training. David also provides his time to teaching others through his Mentorship at Universities and his exam preparation tutor business – Ace Law Tutor which he has operated for 9 years.
Specialisms
Dispute Resolution
Commodoties
Trade
Blockchain & Fintech
Transnational Commercial
Transnational Corporate Structuring
Start-Ups
Renewable Energy
Education
2023
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
2019-To Date
QLTS Qualification as English Solicitor
2013-2017
Barrister-at-Law, Justice Chambers – Pupil Barrister – Liberty Chambers; Princes Chambers; Admiralty Chambers; Gilt Chambers
2009
PCLL, Law – The Chinese University of Hong Kong
2009
PCLL Conversion Course, Law – HKU Space
2005
Masters Degree in Law (LLM) Shipping Law – Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
2003
LLB (Hons), Law Degree – University of Liverpool
2000
A-Levels and GCSEs – Stonyhurst College
Qualifications/Work-Experience
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David has been able to qualify in multiple jurisdictions – the UK and Hong Kong and also work as a solicitor and a qualified barrister spanning the advocacy gap. He has worked in a cross-section of legal practice firms and chambers in Hong Kong and Thailand and therefore is able to frame his advice and services within a multi-jurisdictional context.
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David has shaped his qualifications and experience around dispute resolution matters, and is highly knowledgeable with regards to the practice and procedure of arbitral institutions, being a panel member of the Thai Arbitration Centre (THAC) and having acted as counsel on numerous arbitration-based disputes. He is a Fellow of CIArb, a Committee Branch Member of CIArb Thailand Branch and obtained his Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Oxford.
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Modern business requires modern legal entrepreneurial mindset and an up to date grasp of emerging and adopted technologies; trade practices; payment systems and sustainability/renewable processes and technology. David is able to offer a diverse insight and and tailored advice in these areas.
Interests
Golf, Wakeboarding & Rock Climbing
David’s interests and activities are as diverse as his legal experience and he is willing to try new sports and challenges
Professional Speaking/Presenting
David enjoys sharing his professional knowledge with others and attends events to provide presentations and his knowledge of legal and commercial matters
Diving & Horse Riding
In addition to being a qualified sailor and having owned his own S/Y in Hong Kong, David likes to see what is under the water through recreational diving and isn’t averse to indulging in horse riding either.