David Walden-Smith

David Walden-Smith is a financial remedies specialist with over 35 years’ experience at the Bar. Described in the directories as “just superb” and “a tremendous arbitrator”, his entire practice now involves him sitting as a private judge.

Having been a qualified Family Arbitrator since the inception of the IFLA scheme in 2012, he has huge experience of conducting such hearings. He was counsel in the Court of Appeal case of Haley v Haley [2021] 1 FLR 1429, which affirmed the proposition that an Arbitral award in a financial remedies case is entirely akin to a decision of a Judge.

David also hears very many private FDRs and conducts Early Neutral Evaluations. Both almost always lead to settlement between the parties, however polarised their positions had initially appeared. He accepts instructions to hear Schedule 1 and Tolata cases.

Although most of his hearings are conducted in the specialist tribunal facilities at 29 Bedford Row, he is prepared to travel. He hears cases in solicitor’s offices around the country if that suits the parties better in a particular case. He is also entirely comfortable conducting hearings over Zoom, Teams or any other suitable medium.

MCIArb

FLBA

David is married with two children. His daughter is a specialist neuro-physiotherapist, and his son is a junior doctor.

His leisure pursuits include photography, cycling and boating.