David Emmerson

David Emmerson OBE is a partner at Anthony Gold.  He specialises in family law and relationship breakdowns and is based in our South London offices at London Bridge and is the Winner of the John Cornwell Award 2023.

David has particular expertise in helping separating couples resolve complex financial issues and child arrangements. He is experienced at dealing with both pre and post-nuptial settlements as well as co-habitation law.

As an accredited mediator, a hybrid accredited mediator and an experienced Collaborative family lawyer, David aims to resolve disputes outside of Court. He is noted for his innovative and creative use of mediation with other forms of dispute resolution and third party expert to help resolve some of the most difficult issues for separating couples. Almost all of David’s clients have been referred by previous clients, fellow professionals and judges.

David is the immediate past chair of Resolution’s Dispute Resolution committee and a part time District Judge accredited to undertake complex financial remedy proceedings and Children Act cases, giving him a unique perspective and knowledge in successfully resolving cases.

David is the winner of Resolution’s (the organisation of family law professionals) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for exceptional contribution to and innovative development of the out-of-court settlement of family disputes. In particular for his remarkable, outstanding and sustained contribution to family justice and the high quality and success rate of his out-of-court resolution, such as mediation and Collaborative practice.

In June 2004 David was awarded an OBE for his work in legal services nationally and particularly in London.

• Winner of Resolution’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for excellence in family law.

• Immediate past author of Butterworth’s Family Law Service (domestic abuse, mediation, and collaborative practice) and co-author of Resolution’s Family Law Handbook.

• Immediate past chair of Resolution’s Dispute Resolution Committee; former national committee member (18 years).

• Member of Thomson Reuters Practical Law Family and LexisNexis editorial boards.

• Anti-Discrimination/Serious Case Panel Chair for the FA (2008–2022).

• Recognised expert in family law and mediation, spotlighted for excellence in Chambers HNW , Legal 500 and Doyle’s Guides.

• Accredited by the Family Mediation Council and Resolution in hybrid mediation, financial remedy, private law children, and domestic abuse.

• Accredited Collaborative Practitioner and Higher Rights Advocate (Civil & Family) – The Law Society.

• Higher Rights Advocacy [Civil and Family] Accreditation

• Published in Family Law, The Law Society Gazette, New Law Journal, Family Law Week, Resolution’s The Review, and Solicitor’s Journal; interviewed by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Observer, and Independent.