David Crockford

David has more than a decade of experience in real estate disputes and previously created and managed a large specialist regional team.

He provides clear strategic advice to his clients across the entire property sector and at all stages of transactions. He focuses on ensuring that as few disputes as possible arise for his clients but where they do, are litigated proactively and successfully.

David deals with a wide variety of real estate disputes and has specialisms in right to light matters, issues concerning development of land including dealing with overage and portfolio asset management work and lease renewal proceedings, dilapidations, applications for consent, forfeiture and disputed rent reviews.

He has a particular interest in working to resolve potential and actual litigious issues on development land and at business premises to facilitate construction and redevelopment. He also enjoys portfolio work for clients, where solutions need to be tailored not only to the property but to the client’s broader real estate needs.

David has acted across all levels of the Court and Tribunal process. He also has considerable experience working on disputes where clients need solutions that require the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

He has expertise in resolving disputes concerning land that is being used for the purposes of biodiversity net gain or nitrate mitigation, which include supporting those considering such schemes to avoid litigation pitfalls, enforcing breaches and resolving disputes using ADR.

David is the Chair of Property Litigation Association on the South Coast. He also regularly facilitates and delivers training to clients and colleagues.

David is recognised as a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500 2026.