David Goldstone KC
Called: 1986
Silk: 2006
"He is fantastic"
(Chambers UK, 2021)
“David is extremely intellectually curious. He is very quick and very, very bright.”
(Chambers UK, 2022)
"He has a fantastic, scientific mind; he's able to pick up a whole stack of technical data and cross-examine on it really effectively."
(Chambers UK, 2020)
"He is incisive, leaves no stone unturned and grasps technical issues incredibly quickly."
(Chambers UK, 2020)
"...he speaks with a great voice of authority and has a lot of gravitas"..."Outstanding..."
(Who's Who Legal, 2018)

David Goldstone KC

Academic
MA (1st Class Hons, Law) Cantab, BCL Oxon
Awards
Open Scholarship to Emmanuel College, Cambridge
Sweet and Maxwell Prize awarded for highest First in Part 1A Law Tripos
Other qualifications
Called to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands (2020)
Appointments
First Standing Counsel to the Admiralty 1999-2006

ADR Chambers accredited Mediator
Memberships
Commercial Bar Association, London Maritime Arbitrators Association (supporting member)

UK Digital Currency Association (founding member)
Languages
German (conversational), French (restaurant)

David is a highly experienced barrister who has appeared in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and has acted for most of the UK`s leading commercial solicitors. He is now accepting appointments as arbitrator and mediator but also continues to advise clients across the full spectrum of commercial law, international trade and shipping.

David is also one of the very few barristers in the UK who is able to provide specialist expert advice to companies and individuals operating in the increasingly significant sector of digital and crypto-currencies.

He is consistently ranked by Chambers UK and Legal 500: "A very effective performer." (Chambers UK) "A very clever brain, he gets straight to the nub of the point and advises clearly and concisely."  (Chambers and Partners),  “very forensic in his approach and nothing gets past him”  “Incredibly intelligent and switched on” (Chambers and Partners),  “extremely bright and capable of getting on top of a lot of material very quickly.” “one of these excellent brains that surprises you.”  (Chambers and Partners).  "Smart and incisive, he sees clearly to the heart of the issue" (Legal 500).  David was shortlisted for Shipping Silk of the Year for the Legal 500 UK Awards 2019.

What the directories say
  • "David is sharp, incisive and a fighter." (Chambers UK, 2023)

  • “David is extremely intellectually curious. He is very quick and very, very bright.” (Chambers UK, 2022)

  • “He is fantastic.” (Chambers UK, 2021)

  • "He is very experienced in shipping-related work." (Legal 500, 2021)

  • "He has a fantastic, scientific mind; he's able to pick up a whole stack of technical data and cross-examine on it really effectively." (Chambers UK, 2020)

  • "He is incisive, leaves no stone unturned and grasps technical issues incredibly quickly." (Chambers UK, 2020)

  • "Phenomenally bright, extremely well organised and a pleasure to deal with.""He has meticulous attention to detail." (Chambers UK, 2019)

  • "...he speaks with a great voice of authority and has a lot of gravitas"..."Outstanding..." (Who's Who Legal, 2018)

  • "...Highly intelligent and always quick to spot a good point..." (Legal 500, 2017)

  • "...Incredibly cerebral and really excellent..." (Chambers UK, 2017)

  • "...Smart and incisive, he sees clearly to the heart of the issue..." (The Legal 500, 2016)

Digital and crypto-currencies

David’s involvement with digital currencies goes right back to the early days of 2011, long before the current vogue for the sector. He was a founding member of the UK Digital Currency Association in 2014 and was responsible for the UKDCA’s submissions to the State of New York in relation to its proposed Bit License in 2015. He has lectured and spoken widely on the subject both in the UK and Europe and has advised a variety of clients in the sector including exchanges, hedge funds and others. He has particular expertise in relation to the regulatory framework for financial services as it applies to digital currencies, ICO’s and tokens, both in the UK and globally but also benefits from a wide network of contacts in the sector and many years of practical experience as well as an understanding of the underlying technologies.

Banking

David regularly advises in relation to ship-finance related issues, including (in particular) banking related litigation arising out of shipbuilding contracts such as Bankhaus Wolbern AG v. China Construction Bank Corp [2012] which concerned enforcement of a US$ 10 million refund guarantee against a Chinese Bank.

Commercial Dispute Resolution

Although primarily a shipping and international trade specialist, David’s commercial practice also includes representing individuals and companies in relation to other substantial matters, such as claims for commission, claims arising out of options and futures contracts, intellectual property disputes and joint ventures.

Commodities & International Trade

David remains a leading barrister in this sector and is ranked as a leading silk both by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Although he no longer acts as an advocate David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his advisory practice. In recent years, he has been described as "a first-class brain who is exceptionally clever, analytical and incisive" (Chambers UK - shipping and commodities), as "absolutely phenomenal", "runs rings around the opposition and can grasp complex issues exceptionally quickly" (Chambers UK - Shipping and commodities) and as “outstanding” and “for some, the brightest man at the Bar” (Legal 500). He is comfortable with technical cases including engineering, chemistry and related disciplines.

Shipping

David remains a leading barrister in this sector and is ranked as a leading silk both by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Although he no longer acts as an advocate David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his advisory practice. He was "rightly rewarded with silk" (Legal 500 - shipping) in 2006 and since then has gone from strength to strength. In recent years, he has been described as "a first-class brain who is exceptionally clever, analytical and incisive" (Chambers UK - shipping and commodities), as "absolutely phenomenal", "runs rings around the opposition and can grasp complex issues exceptionally quickly" (Chambers UK - Shipping and commodities) and as “outstanding” and “for some, the brightest man at the Bar” (Legal 500). He is comfortable with technical cases including engineering, chemistry and related disciplines and is able to advise both in relation to wet and dry matters.

Insurance

David regularly advises in insurance matters, primarily (although not exclusively) in relation to marine-insurance related issues. He was counsel for the assured in the NORTH STAR litigation which involved a total loss claim arising out of the loss of a bulk carrier in Piraeus by bombing and acted for underwriters in relation to the US$ 90 million BRILLIANTE VIRTUOSO litigation.

International Arbitration

David has acted in countless arbitrations (in particular but not limited to LMAA, LOF, LCIA and ICC). He is able to advise on all aspects of arbitration law and practice and is pleased to accept appointments as an arbitrator. In that capacity, he brings a calm and patient demeanour and an understanding of the issues and difficulties facing parties and their advisors.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

David is an accredited CEDR mediator.

Shipbuilding

David regularly advises clients (primarily buyers and banks) in relation to ship sale and construction disputes.

Energy

David's energy-related practice includes claims arising out of the carriage and sale of oil cargoes, oil pollution issues and claims for oil and gas pipeline damage.