Since taking silk in 2006, David has continued to focus on his core areas of professional negligence and commercial Chancery work. 
 

As a junior, David built up a wide Chancery practice embracing property law, company law, insolvency, civil fraud and tracing, with a particular interest in professional liability. Since moving to Four New Square in 2000, he has widened his practice in the areas of professional liability and commercial litigation, whilst continuing to do a broad range of commercial Chancery work. 

He particularly relishes the challenge of acting for and against professionals in areas which call on his expertise in the underlying issues of property, company law, insolvency and accounts.  He has wide experience of both litigation and mediation, as well as advisory work.

Publications

David is an editor of the current edition of Jackson & Powell on Professional Liability. He edits the chapter on Accountants and Auditors and is author of a new chapter on Actuaries.

David is rated for professional negligence litigation by Chambers & Partners. The current edition says that "his affable manner attracts widespread praise“ he never talks down to anyone and is very approachable” “He is also rated for property litigation in the current edition of the Legal 500, which says that he has “loads of energy and really knows his land law”. Other commendations in the directories include: "is a favourite of many as he is meticulous in his preparation, and has a gentlemanly and energetic approach”.  “he has impressed peers due to his incredibly meticulous and careful approach which often results in incredible outcomes for his clients” and “despite having only recently taken silk, Halpern is already considered a barrister of choice by many for solicitor’s negligence cases” (Chambers & Partners, 2008) and “a formidable opponent: almost impossible to outfox” (Legal 500, 2006).

Member of the Chancery Bar Association (formerly committee member and Seminar Secretary) Member of the Property Bar Association, the Professional Negligence Bar Association and Combar. David is an advocacy trainer for Gray’s Inn and chairs Disciplinary Tribunals for the Bar Standards Board. In 2009 David was appointed a Recorder authorised to hear criminal cases. He is a Bencher of Gray’s Inn.