Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

As Shakespeare Martineau continues to invest in its presence in the capital, the national law firm has appointed commercial disputes partner David Vaughan as head of its London office in The Shard. 

David, who rejoined the firm in August 2025, takes on the role at a significant time for Shakespeare Martineau’s London practice following its relocation to the 19th floor of The Shard last year and a series of senior partner appointments. 

The firm has expanded its London team with five senior partner hires over the past 18 months, bringing additional expertise across real estate, governance and complex disputes. The London office is almost 25% larger than its previous space, and provides a modern, agile working environment designed to support more than 160 people. 

The investment reflects Shakespeare Martineau’s wider strategy of strengthening its presence in key UK business centres and being closer to the clients and sectors it serves. 

As London office head, David will focus on building the office’s profile, deepening client relationships and supporting the continued growth of the firm’s established legal offering in the capital, while continuing to advise clients nationally and internationally. 

David said: “London is a critical market for Shakespeare Martineau and I’m delighted to take on the role of office head at such an exciting time for the firm. 

“The investment we are making in London is a clear demonstration of our ambition for the capital. We have a growing team of highly experienced specialists, a fantastic home at The Shard, and a strong platform from which to build deeper relationships with clients and referrers. 

“Since returning to the firm, I’ve been impressed by the strength and ambition of the team and the opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to further raise our profile in London, strengthen our relationships across the market and support the continued growth of the office and the firm as a whole.” 

Victoria Tester, managing director at Shakespeare Martineau, added: “David’s appointment as London office head comes at a pivotal moment in our investment and growth in the capital. 

“London remains a critical market for us and David is an excellent fit to lead the next phase of our growth. He brings deep expertise in complex, cross-border disputes, a strong understanding of our business and a clear commitment to building lasting client relationships. His leadership will help us continue to build our profile, deepen those relationships and grow our offering in this important market.” 

David brings more than 20 years’ experience advising international clients on complex, high-value litigation and arbitration. He acts for corporates, financial institutions, sovereign states and high-net-worth individuals, with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes.  

The firm’s London team advises businesses, investors and private clients across a broad range of legal services, with particular strengths in real estate, corporate, governance and complex disputes.