Lord Wolfson KC
Barrister
Call 1992 Silk 2009
David Wolfson (Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, KC) is one of the most sought-after commercial Silks at the Bar. He attracts instructions in the most complex and high value disputes, and has been instructed in many major banking and commercial disputes.
David's practice extends over a broad range of commercial law, both in litigation and international arbitration, and he also accepts appointments as Arbitrator.
David served as Minister of Justice in the House of Lords 2020-22, and is now the shadow Attorney General, recently appearing in the Supreme Court pro bono for army veterans in the Dillon litigation challenging the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. In addition to his full-time practice at the Bar, David continues to contribute to the work of the House of Lords, speaking in particular on issues of law and justice.
David is Chair of the Football Regulatory Authority, a Bencher of Inner Temple, and is either a trustee or a director of a number of other charities and companies.
The Court of Appeal commented on David's advocacy in the first paragraph of its judgment here ("In praise of forensic schizophrenia"), noting that he had successfully run diametrically opposing arguments "with customary courtesy, cogency, and not a little charm".
David’s place as one of the leading advocates of his generation was recognised with his being awarded “Commercial Litigation Silk of the Year 2020” by The Legal 500, and also “Commercial Litigation Silk of the Year” in the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2020.
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Examples of Recent Cases
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Banking and Financial Services
“His oral advocacy is incredible - the way he can persuade a tribunal is masterful” “David is a sensation - his advocacy has a very light touch, he's very disarming - an iron first in a velvet glove” “He is very commercial, has a good understanding of the market and is a really powerful advocate” Chambers UK 2026: Banking & Finance
A selection of current and past matters:
British Telecommunications Plc v Telereal Securitised Property
Acting for Telereal in a dispute with BT arising out of a complex securitisation.1MDB securitisation
Acting for a financial institution in proceedings arising out of the 1MDB affair.PrivatBank arbitration
Acted successfully for PrivatBank in arbitration proceedings arising out of contested note issues made under former owners of the bank. The judgment of Zacaroli J upholding the awards is reported at [2020] EWHC 610 (Ch).Project Green
Advised a Bermudan bank in a dispute with the local banking regulator as to the terms of its banking licence.Indonesian bank arbitration
Acting for Indonesian businesses in a dispute with a foreign bank about the purchase and control of an Indonesian bank.Four Seasons v Barclays Bank [2018] EWHC 1558 (Ch), [2019] EWCA Civ 1361
Acted for the Four Seasons Care Homes at trial and on appeal in successfully obtaining rectification of security documents supporting lending to the group. This is now the leading case on rectification.Canary Wharf Finance II Plc v Deutsche Trust Company Ltd [2016] EWHC 100 (Comm)
Successfully represented the long-term noteholders in a dispute over a “Spens payment” in the Canary Wharf securitisation.Tael One Partners v Morgan Stanley [2013] EWCA Civ 473; [2015] UKSC 12
Successfully represented Morgan Stanley in the Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court, in a leading case about the sale of debt in the secondary market on market-standard LMA terms.MetLife v JPMorgan [2016] EWCA Civ 1248
Successfully defended a $120m claim by MetLife arising out of the sale of Argentinian inflation-linked bonds.ISDA litigation
David undertakes a lot of ISDA-related work, much of which is confidential. -
Commercial Litigation
"One of the leading silks of his generation. He has clients and judges eating out of his hands and handles very difficult work with a sense of humour. There's nothing he hasn't seen.” “He is the man I would go to with a difficult case. He is able to simplify matters and will argue points others shy away from.” “Someone once said that for David going to the courtroom is like going to his lounge; he is just so relaxed but so sharp-witted. His cross-examination is spectacular. He's one of the best.” Chambers UK 2026: Commercial Dispute Resolution
A selection of current and past matters:
Crypto claims
Acting for a major cryptocurrency exchange in a multi-billion dollar arbitration claim.Dyson
Acting for Dyson defending claims relating to suppliers’ operations in Malaysia.Phone-hacking litigation
Acting for MGN defending claims relating to phone-hacking; trial in January 2026 on limitation issues.Eastern European power project
Acted for a contractor successfully obtaining an arbitration award for several hundred million dollars against an Eastern European state.Claims against VietJet [2024] EWHC 1945 (Comm), [2025] EWCA Civ 783
Acting for VietJet in the High Court and Court of Appeal defending claims brought by a hedge fund airing out of aircraft leases.Saxon Woods v Costa [2025] EWCA Civ 708
Acted in Court of Appeal in “minority shareholder” proceedings. An application for permission to appeal is currently before the Supreme Court.Maloney v Intermediate Capital Group [2025] EWHC 240 (Comm)
Acted for ICG in successfully defending claims brought in relation to corporate finance obligations.Qatar Airways v Airbus
Acted for Airbus in litigation brought by Qatar Airways seeking billions of dollars in damages. After several hard-fought interim hearings, the claim was settled.Republic of Nigeria v P&ID [2023] EWHC 2638 (Comm)
Acted for the company in enforcement proceedings surrounding a multi-billion dollar arbitration award against Nigeria, arising out of a gas contract. Now the leading case about bribery in international arbitration.Apple proceedings (Competition Appeal Tribunal) [2023] CAT 67, [2025] EWCA Civ 459
Acting for Apple in proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal arising out of alleged battery issues in iPhones.Avonwick litigation [2020] EWHC 1844 (Comm)
Acted for Oleg Mkrtchan in a 9 week trial arising out of various disputes between 4 Ukrainian oligarchs. Mr Mkrtchan defeated claims against him in the total sum of approximately $2.5bn.Raiffeisen Bank International v Ashurst [2019] EWHC] 3; [2020] EWCA Civ 11, [2020] EWHC 2602 (Comm)
Acted for Ashurst in a claim arising out of the sale of various Indonesian assets, succeeding on a privilege dispute in the High Court and Court of Appeal, and at trial Ashurst succeeded on all points.JCB group
Advised Lord Bamford and the JCB group companies in relation to various personal and corporate matters.Gaydamak v Leviev [2012] EWHC 1740
Acted for Arkadi Gaydamak in a high-profile dispute with Lev Leviev, concerning the ownership of Angolan diamond rights -
Frustration, Force Majeure and Material Adverse Change Clauses
David has considerable experience in litigation arising out of unforeseeable events, the doctrine of frustration and the applicability of force majeure and material adverse change clauses.
Much of this work is confidential, but examples include:
COVID-19
Acting for several financial institutions and companies in relation to frustration and force majeure issues arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thames Valley Power Ltd v Total Gas & Power Ltd [2005] EWHC 2208 (Comm)
Acted for Total Gas in a dispute concerning the applicability of a force majeure contract to a gas supply for Heathrow airport.LCIA arbitration [2017]
Acted for an Indian steel mill in a dispute with an Australian coal producer which turned on the applicability of the doctrine of frustration.LCIA arbitration [2012]
Acted for an investment fund in proceedings arising out of a building project in Mumbai where it was argued by the defendants that a force majeure clause applied.2008 global financial crisis
Advised several banks and other financial institutions as to the applicability of material adverse change clauses as a result of the global financial crisis.Definitely Maybe (Touring) Ltd v Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur GmbH (No.2) [2001] 1 WLR 1745
Acted for Oasis in a dispute arising out of the inability of one of the Gallagher brothers to play a concert in Germany. The issues included whether a force majeure clause was applicable. -
Energy and Natural Resources
“David is a superstar and someone that clients would entrust in a bet-the-company case.” “David has great courtroom presence, but one of the important things he excels at is winning the client's confidence” “David gives very clear instructions on how he wants to approach a case and delivers it ruthlessly. He knows the material inside-out and it is like a demolition job.” Chambers UK 2026: Energy & Natural Resources
A selection of current and past matters:
Energy trader v major energy company
Acted for an energy trader in ICC arbitration proceedings arising out of a "take or pay" contract.Petraco v VTB Commodities Trading
Acted for energy trader in proceedings arising out of the Russian sanctions regime.British Gas Trading v Shell & Esso [2019] EWHC 1735 (Comm)
Represented Esso in a dispute with British Gas about gas pricing for North Sea gas, in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.Reliance Industries v The Union of India [2018] EWHC 822 (Comm); [2020] EWHC 263 (Comm)
Acted for the Indian Government successfully resisting challenges made to an arbitration award relating to oil and gas projects off the Indian coast.Hardy Exploration v The Union of India
Acted for the Indian Government in successfully resisting the recognition and enforcement of a foreign arbitral award.Marathon Oil v Centrica [2018] EWHC 322 (Comm) [2019] EWCA Civ 11
Successfully represented Marathon Oil in a trial, and on appeal, concerning the ability of an Operator to charge payments designed to remedy a deficit in a pension fund to the other participants in an oil field joint venture.Tullow Uganda Ltd v Heritage Oil & Gas Ltd [2013] EWHC 322 (Comm)
Obtained judgment for Tullow of more than £350m in a dispute about a tax indemnity on the farm-down of interests in various petroleum exploration areas in Uganda. David successfully upheld the judgment in the Court of Appeal.BSG Litigation - Guinea
Acted for BSG in multi-jurisdictional litigation arising out of the awarding of rights over the Simandou iron ore deposits. There were various claims between BSG, Vale, Rio Tinto and the Republic of Guinea in LCIA arbitration proceedings (London), Federal Court, Southern District (New York) and ICSID (Paris).
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Company, Insolvency and Restructuring
"David is very commercial, has a good understanding of the market and is a really powerful advocate” “David is a really strong litigator and advocate. He has a ton of gravitas and is very commercial and quite pragmatic.” Chambers UK 2026; Restructuring & Insolvency
A selection of current and past matters (but much of David's work in this area is advisory and confidential):
Recovery Partners & Revoker v Rukhadze [2025] UKSC 10
Acted for the defendants in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in a case concerning the ambit of fiduciary duties and the quantification of an account of profits. This is now the leading case in this area.NMC Healthcare
Acting for Noor Bank in connection with the collapse of the NMC Healthcare group, in the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) courts.Lehman Brothers Ltd [2014] EWHC 704; [2015] EWCA Civ 485; [2017] UKSC 38
Acted for LBL in complex “Waterfall I” litigation arising out of the collapse of Lehman, in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Taberna Europe [2016] EWHC 1958
Successfully acted for Barclays Bank in a case arising out of the issue of notes by Taberna.Klöckner restructuring
Advised Strategic Value Partners with regard to the restructuring of Klöckner, a large German plastics undertaking. This is believed to be the first time a junior lender has obtained control in a contested situation against the wishes of the senior lenders and the equity sponsor.
Strategic Value Master Fund v Ideal Standard Acquisition [2011] EWHC 171 (Ch)
Obtained judgment for the equity holders against the lenders in a high-profile dispute about an equity cure and the nature of a waiver of an event of default.
Re Maltby Holdings Ltd
Acted for Terra Firma against administrators in proceedings arising out of the pre-pack of EMI. -
Sports and Entertainment
Cardiff City Football Club Ltd [2008] EWHC 535 (Ch)
David has acted for Cardiff City FC on several occasions, primarily in defending it from claims advanced by loan note holders.
Chelsea FC
Acting for Chelsea FC in a dispute arising out of the transfer of John Obi Mikel.
The FA
Acting for the FA in matters arising out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup bid. -
Jurisdiction Disputes and Interim Relief
Much of David’s work involves jurisdiction disputes. Only cases which had such issues as their central feature are cited in this section.
Magomedov litigation [2025] EWHC 59 (Comm)
Acted for Dubai Ports in a successful jurisdiction challenge to large claims brought against it and other defendants.Midtown v Essar [2017] EWHC 519; [2018] EWHC 2545
Acted for Essar in a case about the enforceability in England of “confession judgments” granted by the New York court.Sulamérica Cia Nacional De Seguros S.A. v Enesa Engenharia S.A [2012] EWCA Civ 638
Acted for respondents to an arbitration in the leading case on the question of which system of law governs an arbitration clause.Shashoua v Sharma [2009] EWHC 957 (Comm)
Obtained an anti-suit injunction against respondents threatening to bring proceedings in India to stifle an LCIA arbitration (London Seat).
ARM v Max Lewinsohn [2009] EWHC 1964 (Ch)
Successfully acted for a Luxembourg bond issuer in a dispute being litigated both in Utah and in England, as to whether the English court can stay proceedings brought under Council Regulation (EC) 44/2001, art 2.
United States and Exchange Commission v Manterfield [2008] EWHC 1349 (QB); [2009] EWCA Civ 27
Acted for the SEC, obtaining a worldwide freezing order, without provision of a cross-undertaking. SEC succeeded in maintaining the injunction on appeal.
Kolden Holdings Ltd v Rodette Commerce Ltd [2007] EWHC 1597 (Comm); [2008] EWCA Civ 10
Acted for an investment fund, in Commercial Court and subsequently Court of Appeal proceedings, in a jurisdiction challenge concerning the issue of ‘same parties’ under Council Regulation (EC) 44/2001, art 27/28. -
Competition
David has a significant competition law practice, and has appeared many times in both the Competition Appeal Tribunal and also the Court of Appeal in competition cases.
He in currently instructed for Apple in claims relating to alleged battery issues in iPhones ([2023] CAT 67, [2025] EWCA Civ 459) and for claimants in various proceedings against VISA and Mastercard [2024] CAT 39).
David is also advising on other competition matters which remain confidential
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Arbitration
“A rare gem of a leading silk who is prepared to make himself available out of hours and to roll his sleeves up, as well as providing excellent strategic advice.” “He can turn a case around and is a consummate professional. His courtroom manner is fantastic and he delivers it all with easy going stature.” “A class operator” Chambers UK 2026: International Arbitration (UK Bar and Global)
David is frequently instructed as counsel in international arbitrations, in the areas in which he practises (including LCIA, ICC, ICSID and Ad Hoc).
David also accepts appointments as Arbitrator, both as part of a tribunal, and also as sole arbitrator (including ICC appointments).
AS COUNSEL
An energy trader v Major energy company
Acting for an energy trader in arbitration proceedings arising out of a "take or pay" contract.Large construction company v Eastern European state
Acting for the company in ICC proceedings arising out of a major construction project in Eastern Europe.LCIA Proceedings [2019-20]
David acted for the administrators of PrivatBank in proceedings arising out of the frauds of the bank’s former owners. In addition to the arbitration proceedings which are confidential, the award has given rise to various applications and challenges which will be heard by the High Court in 2020. The judgment of Zacaroli J upholding the awards is reported at [2020] EWHC 610 (Ch).LCIA Proceedings [2018]
Acting for investors in a telecoms provider and successfully obtained award of damages.SCC Proceedings [2018]
David acted for the Ruler of a Gulf state in claims arising out of mismanagement of an investment fund.LCIA and ICSID Proceedings [2016]
Successfully represented an Indian company in a dispute concerning the importation of cigarettes and other products into central Africa.LCIA and ICSID Proceedings [2014-15]
Acting in both LCIA and ICSID proceedings arising out of bribery and fraud allegations concerning the rights to the world’s largest iron ore deposit in Guinea. The award has given rise to various proceedings in the High Court.LCIA Proceedings [2014]
Insurance coverage dispute arising out of class-action environmental litigation in the US.LCIA Proceedings [2014]
Dispute between two international car rental companies about rights to the EMEA market.LCIA Proceedings [2012-14]
US$45 million+ dispute concerning alleged breach of contract arising out of control of international aluminium market.LCIA Proceedings [2012]
For a Russian company defending a claim arising out of the relationship between a previous arbitral award and obligations to Note Holders.LCIA Proceedings [2011-12]
For investment fund in proceedings arising out of a large building project in Mumbai.LCIA Proceedings [2011]
For a hedge fund in a dispute arising out of a slum clearance project in Mumbai.LCIA Proceedings [2009-12]
For Indian customers defending a claim brought by a multinational bank arising out of loss-making derivative transactions.LCIA Proceedings [2010]
Acting for a major European energy company in an arbitration relating to the privatisation of Russian electricity generating companies.ICC Proceedings [2009]
For Indian conglomerate defending a claim arising out of disputed purchases for expensive plant.ICC Proceedings [2009]
For a commodities seller against a buyer who refused to take delivery (Singapore seat).AS ARBITRATOR
ICC Proceedings [2018]
As sole arbitrator in a dispute about the sale of a plane for use in an African project.ICC Proceedings [2018]
As sole arbitrator in a dispute about the construction of a power station in the Middle East.ICC Proceedings [2017]
As sole arbitrator in a dispute about a real estate project in the Middle East.ICC Proceedings [2016]
As Co-Arbitrator on a three person ICC tribunal considering a dispute in relation to the control of a telecommunications company in Eastern Europe.ICC Proceedings [2015/16]
As sole arbitrator in a dispute over a Limited Partnership Agreement.ICC Proceedings [2015]
As Chairman of a three person ICC tribunal considering a dispute over professional consultancy fees.
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What the Directories Say
“One of the leading silks of his generation. He has clients and judges eating out of his hands and handles very difficult work with a sense of humour. There’s nothing he hasn’t seen.” (Chambers UK 2026, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“David is a superstar and someone that clients would entrust in a bet-the-company case.” (Chambers UK 2026, Energy & Natural Resources)
“David is super hands-on and full of ideas. When it comes to the crunch, he gets a great read on the judges. He is a class operator.” (Chambers UK 2026, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“He can turn a case around and is a consummate professional. His courtroom manner is fantastic and he delivers it all with easy going stature.” (Chambers UK 2026, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance)
“His oral advocacy is incredible - the way he can persuade a tribunal is masterful.” (Chambers UK 2026, Banking & Finance)
“David combines razor like analysis with humour and enthusiasm.” (The Legal 500 2026, International Arbitration: Counsel)
“David is a sensation - his advocacy has a very light touch, he’s very disarming - an iron fist in a velvet glove.” (Chambers UK 2026, Banking & Finance)
“Someone once said that for David going to the courtroom is like going to his lounge; he is just so relaxed but so sharp-witted. His cross-examination is spectacular. He’s one of the best.” (Chambers UK 2026, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“He is the man I would go to with a difficult case. He is able to simplify matters and will argue points others shy away from.” (Chambers UK 2026, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“He is very commercial, has a good understanding of the market and is a really powerful advocate.” (Chambers UK 2026, Banking & Finance)
“David has great courtroom presence, but one of the important things he excels at is winning the client’s confidence.” (Chambers UK 2026, Energy & Natural Resources)
“David gives very clear instructions on how he wants to approach a case and delivers it ruthlessly. He knows the material inside-out and it is like a demolition job.” (Chambers UK 2026, Energy & Natural Resources)
“David is a really strong litigator and advocate. He has a ton of gravitas and is very commercial and quite pragmatic.” (Chambers UK 2026, Restructuring / Insolvency)
“He is very effective in his ability to put arguments forward.” (Chambers UK 2026, Restructuring / Insolvency)
“A rare gem of a leading silk who is prepared to make himself available out of hours and to roll his sleeves up, as well as providing excellent strategic advice.” (Chambers UK 2026, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance)
“Lord Wolfson is an extremely personable, very believable advocate who is extremely popular with both solicitors and clients.” (Chambers UK 2026, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“David is a superb operator. A dynamic silk who is full of energy.” (The Legal 500 2026, Banking & Finance)
“He is a top choice for heavyweight and high profile commercial litigation.” (The Legal 500 2026, Commercial Litigation)
“A class operator.” (Chambers UK 2026, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance)
“David is very commercial, has a good understanding of the market and is a really powerful advocate.” (Chambers UK 2026, Restructuring / Insolvency)
"David is a great advocate and very creative. He really is one of the best." (Chambers UK 2024: Commercial Dispute Resolution)
"David has the ability to pick up vast detail and give sound, commercial advice." (Chambers UK 2024: Commercial Dispute Resolution)
"David Wolfson is an exceptionally gifted advocate, his submissions are always totally fluent and persuasive no matter how difficult the case." (Chambers UK 2024: Commercial Dispute Resolution)
"David Wolfson is fantastic with clients and is able to translate very difficult concepts into simple language." (Chambers UK 2024: Commercial Dispute Resolution)
"David is incredibly commercial, collaborative and great on his feet on court." (Chambers UK 2024: Restructuring/Insolvency)
"He is very commercial, thoughtful and compelling." (Chambers UK 2024: Restructuring/Insolvency)
"David Wolfson is very clever, a great advocate and great to work with." (Chambers UK 2024: Banking & Finance)
"David is incredibly commercial and really good with clients." (Chambers UK 2024: Banking & Finance)
"David is charming and can express his points of view well." (Chambers UK 2024: Energy & Natural Resources)
"He's excellent." (Chambers UK 2024: Energy & Natural Resources)
"David Wolfson is one of the very top silks at the Bar." (Chambers UK 2024: International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance)
"Lord David Wolfson is the most versatile barrister I have ever worked with. He has impeccable judgement and a wonderful manner with clients." (Chambers UK 2024: International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance)
“David has a tremendous court room presence. Distills the most complex points to their essence and establishes great rapport with the tribunal." (Legal 500 2023: Commercial Litigation)
“David is undoubtedly one of the best barristers practising at the commercial Bar right now. Calm and collected, with a wonderful manner, he always has the ear of the court. He is the ultimate team player, and is very effective at running large teams in very high stakes cases. Clients trust and appreciate his impeccable judgement and the ability to always see the woods from the trees and his oral advocacy is amongst the very best.” (Legal 500 2023: International Arbitration: counsel)
“David is formidably clever and has enormous energy but is always user friendly and easy to work with. He can hold down a huge case load but be on top of every detail. He is sensible and thoughtful of his team and the commercial goals of his client.” (Legal 500 2023: Banking & Finance)
"He is just amazing on his feet and a delight to work with. He combines intellectual capability with natural charm.” “A fantastic advocate. His ability to articulate difficult concepts to the court is exemplary and the clients love him for this.”(Chambers UK 2021: Banking & Finance)
“He is super clever and fast thinking but also fun and practical – he is absolutely top notch.”(Legal 500 2020: Banking & Finance)
"He is really good at jurisdictional issues and thinks outside the box." "He is incredibly client-friendly and makes himself accessible." Chambers UK 2020: International Arbitration (UK Bar and Global)
“Commercially sharp, very collaborative and very user-friendly.” “He's very punchy and forceful without being belligerent, and he reduces complicated matters to clear principles.”(Chambers UK 2020: Banking & Finance)
“If you have a difficult problem and you need someone to think outside the box, he is the one to choose.” “He is excellent on his feet and commands the attention of the judge and clients alike due to his commercial and creative approach.”(Chambers UK 2021: Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“An outstanding silk with a unique ability to cut through extremely complex issues with ease – he is instantly likeable, a real team player and fantastic with clients”(Legal 500 2020: Commercial Litigation)
“His commercial acumen is second to none, and his understanding of nuanced points of law is excellent.” “David Wolfson is not afraid to argue what others might consider unarguable, and he succeeds.”(Chambers UK 2020: Commercial Dispute Resolution)
“He is a very clear advocate and charming with the tribunal, and he has a razor-sharp intellect which is a very effective and disarming combination.”(Chambers UK 2021: International Arbitration (UK Bar and Global))
“He is very bright, clear and concise when communicating to the team/clients particularly when trying to explain complex legal concepts”(Legal 500 2020: International Arbitration (Counsel))
“He is really good at jurisdictional issues and thinks outside the box.” “He is incredibly client-friendly and makes himself accessible.”(Chambers UK 2020: International Arbitration (UK Bar and Global))
“He has a very good way of simplifying things, a good turn of phrase, is really good to deal with and is pragmatic.” “He's an outstanding advocate.”(Chambers UK 2021: Energy & Natural Resources)
“He provides excellent advocacy and has an ability to make persuasive arguments on complex legal points”(Legal 500 2020: Energy)
“He is very bright and very energetic and quick to come up with good arguments, as well as a good cross-examiner.” “He is very good commercially. He is good with clients and has bags of charm.”(Chambers UK 2020: Energy & Natural Resources)
"He's absolutely superb." "A great advocate and tactician - a go-to KC." "One of the cleverest men at the Bar."(Chambers UK 2021: Restructuring & Insolvency) -
Education
Selwyn College, Cambridge - MA (Hons)