David Wilkinson

After graduating with a degree in English Literature from the University of Leeds, David completed the Graduate Diploma in Law on a part-time basis at Manchester Law School, receiving a Dean’s List award for the highest mark in land law. He then won a scholarship to study the Legal Practice Course in respect of which he obtained a distinction and was named as the top-performing part-time student in Business Law and Practice. He completed both courses whilst working full-time with Slater Heelis.

Since qualifying, David has successfully dealt with various difficult and complex cases. One of his recent clients (cited in the 2023/24 edition of the Legal 500 directory) remarked as follows:

‘I am writing to personally say how much I appreciate the lengths and efforts of David during my recent divorce in which he handled very professionally. The hard work and diligent effort David applied to this case has been very reassuring in that I felt at ease and comfortable discussing every aspect and detail that was paramount to the divorce. David was always available to speak whenever I needed clarification on any queries and was understanding of my work commitments considering I run a day service for severely mentally ill clients, and this had on occasion impacted the timings of my replies to David’s emails or telephone calls. David worked tirelessly to ensure we had gathered enough documentation for my case to help us get the best outcome. Please accept my sincere gratitude for David’s efforts during the most stressful time of my life. Myself and my family could not be more at ease.’

In addition to his committed work for clients, David writes regularly for specialist family law publications, including the Resolution Review, LexisNexis, and the Family Law Journal (Legalease). His recently authored articles include the following:-

• ‘Daniels v Walker guidance on expert evidence in financial remedy cases (GA v EL)’ – LexisNexis, November 2023
• ‘Children as automatic respondents in applications for leave to revoke placement orders (Re: G and H)’ – LexisNexis, August 2023
• ‘Legal services orders, historic costs and cryptocurrency (DH v RH (LSPO and MPS Applications)’ – LexisNexis, July 2023
• ‘Disclosure and contempt in private children proceedings (EBK v DLO)’ – LexisNexis, May 2023
• ‘Bankruptcy and financial remedy: where are we now?’ – Resolution Review, April 2023
• ‘Determining the correct intra-UK jurisdiction for child welfare proceedings (Re T (Children) (Jurisdiction: Matrimonial Proceedings))’ – LexisNexis, March 2023
• ‘Proprietary estoppel: What to expect’ – Family Law Journal (Legalease), February 2023
• ‘Detrimental reliance still an essential ingredient of common intention constructive trust (Hudson v Hathway)’ – LexisNexis, January 2023

As well as being a member of Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family law problems) David is also the current Treasurer for the Trafford Law Society.