David Harris

Biography

David Harris is an experienced and fully accredited commercial mediator and a Partner at Chandler Harris LLP, a specialist commercial law firm in Manchester.

David qualified as a solicitor in 1986 and brings more than 35 years’ experience of commercial litigation and dispute resolution to his mediation practice. His extensive experience of litigation enables him quickly to understand both the legal and commercial issues underlying a dispute, including the practical and financial consequences of continuing proceedings.

David has a calm, pragmatic and solution-focused approach to mediation. He listens carefully to the parties’ concerns while encouraging them to test their positions realistically and explore practical solutions which may not be achievable through litigation.

His experience encompasses a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, including company and shareholder disputes, partnership disputes, breach of contract, property and land disputes, insolvency, professional negligence, contentious probate and inheritance disputes, defamation and other complex commercial claims.

David’s professional practice includes advising on company and partnership disputes, breach of contract, disputed wills and probate estates, insolvency, land disputes and professional negligence. He also accepts appointments as a supervising solicitor in urgent search and seizure orders.

David is able to offer the use of his premises in central Manchester free of charge for mediations.

Mediation experience

David mediates commercial, civil and workplace disputes in person and online throughout England and Wales. Further detail on recent experience is available on request.

Examples of recent work

• Claim by a commercial agent for termination of a lucrative contract in the fashion industry.
• Complex property dispute that had been running for many years.
• Negligence claim against a firm of solicitors.
• Claim by electrical contractors for payment for work carried out on a commercial development.
• Partnership dispute and claim for recovery of sums invested in and loaned to a new venture.
• Negligence claim regarding electrical supply to a large manufacturing site.
• Disputed intellectual property and passing off claim.

Feedback

“Started at 10AM, done and dusted by just gone 2 on a matter that had been dragging on for years. Both client and I very impressed. Would definitely use David again.”

“David provides pragmatic advice and is very persuasive to parties in settlement negotiations. His skills lie in getting parties to understand their strengths and weaknesses, the costs of litigation, and attention to detail, whilst having a friendly manner.”

“Having had a recent mediation with David, I left very impressed. He managed the process with the utmost professionalism and was willing to go the extra mile to try and achieve a settlement. I have already recommended him to other clients!”

Personal interests

David is married with two children. He is a keen guitarist and lover of blues music.