Practice Overview

Recognised in the legal directories for his expertise in matrimonial finance, David specialises in the whole range of family-related financial disputes as well and private law issues in respect of children, including international issues concerning children. His expertise includes applications for ancillary relief/ financial orders arising out of divorce or civil partnership dissolution; applications for financial remedies under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 in respect of unmarried parents; property disputes under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (“TOLATA”), cases under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 and family law-related professional negligence. David represents clients in courts and in mediations and acts for husbands, wives, mothers and fathers alike and, in appropriate cases, is happy to accept public access instructions.

• Children (private law)
• Family finance & property
• International family law
• What the directories say

  David is ranked as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018/2019.

  2018/2019: ‘Has winning ways with judges and clients.’

  2017: "One has complete confidence in him to check every detail"

  2016: "He has all the attributes you would want from a barrister." 

  2015: "Exceptionally good with clients" 

  2014: "An excellent and attuned advocate in which the judiciary have confidence."

  David has been consistently recommended in the legal directory ‘Chambers UK’ for his work in his areas of chosen expertise.

  2019: "David is always reliable, conscientious and most courteous, even when under pressure. He makes the most awkward situations pleasant, reassuring and even enjoyable for the client due to his lively sense of humour. In addition, he gets to the crux of financial issues quickly and pragmatically." Chambers UK

  2018: "Utterly charming and someone with a real winning way with the judges. They obviously like him, which means they listen to him. He has a fantastic manner with clients too. He can talk to them in a way that is appropriate."  Chambers UK

  2017: A well-regarded matrimonial finance lawyer who focuses on disputes concerning the distribution of proprietary and monetary assets after relationship breakdown. He has a specialism representing cohabitants in unmarried couples, and also handles some private children work.

  "He is an absolute pleasure to work with; he is personable with clients, persuasive, and precise in drafting. He will regularly alight on the solution that everyone else has missed. He is unfailingly courteous and judges obviously respect him."  Chambers UK

  2016: "He is incredibly conscientious and has a superb eye for detail. His ability to distil complex facts is very impressive. Proactive and very easy to deal with, he always goes the extra mile for his clients, who can be assured of his commitment to their case."  Chambers UK

  2015: "Innovative, precise in his advice and a barrister who continually provides an excellent level of service. He understands high-value, complex cases, and has extensive knowledge of the interaction between company, trust and tax, and family law."  Chambers UK

  2014: "Comes highly recommended for a wide range of work, including children law, but is particularly highlighted for handling matrimonial finance matters." Expertise: "He is innovative and continually provides an excellent level of service. He understands high-value and complex cases."  Chambers UK

  2013: "the "very impressive" David Burles who is noted by sources for his expertise in matrimonial finance cases. His specific areas of focus include ancillary relief and Inheritance Act work."  Chambers UK

  2012: "a 'very experienced, helpful and approachable' lawyer who undertakes matrimonial finance matters involving significant assets. Sources praise his dedication to his clients, saying "He is prepared to fight hard, often against the odds, to achieve the best possible outcome."  Chambers UK

  2011: “David Burles is much in demand for his expertise in the less mainstream aspects of matrimonial finance such as TOLATA and Inheritance Act matters”  Chambers UK

  2010: "A very hard worker...musters all the facts."  Chambers UK

  2009: "Knows the law from back to front..."  Chambers UK

  2008: "Particularly well regarded...has a way of making the most complicated matters simple and accessible to the court."  Chambers UK

• Reported Cases

  David has represented clients in a significant number of reported cases, including ‘big-money’ ancillary claims and complex cases under the TOLATA jurisdiction, and includes Family and Chancery Division decisions as well as cases decided by the Court of Appeal.

  His reported cases include:

  ABC v PM & Anor [2015] EWFC 32

  N v N (Ancillary Relief) [2010] 2 FLR 1093 (Ancillary relief case with assets of £16m, much inherited and held within a private limited company).

  4 Eng Ltd v Harper and others (No 2), [2009] EWHC 2633 (Ch); [2009] WLR (D) 307 (Acting for spouse of bankrupt in £8m bankruptcy case)

  Dixon v Marchant (CA) [2008] 1 FLR 655 - (Appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning a wife’s remarriage within a few months of her maintenance being capitalised)

  Young v Lauretani (Ch) [2007] 2 FLR 1211 (Property dispute between cohabitants following relationship breakdown concerning the interpretation of their separation agreement)

  Re H (Abduction) (CA) [2007] 1 FLR 242 (Hague Convention child abduction appeal concerning the weight to be attached the child’s wishes and feelings)

  Re VB (Minors: Child Abduction) (Rights of Custody) (CA) [1999] 2 FLR 192 (Hague Convention child abduction appeal concerning ‘rights of custody’)

  Re G (Secure Accommodation) (CA) [2000] 2 FLR 259 (secure accommodation appeal);

  N v N (Jurisdiction: Pre-Nuptial Agreement) Times 12.7.99 [1999] 2 FLR 745 (ancillary relief - status of / enforceability of an undertaking to provide a Get in Orthodox Jewish divorce proceedings).