Professional Practice

David Walden-Smith is a financial remedies specialist with over 35 years’ experience at the Bar. Described by Chambers & Partners as “just superb” and “a tremendous arbitrator”, his entire practice is now sitting as a private judge.

Having been a qualified Family Arbitrator since the inception of the IFLA scheme in 2012, he has huge experience of conducting such hearings. He was counsel in the Court of Appeal case of Haley v Haley [2021] 1 FLR 1429, which affirmed the proposition that an Arbitral award in a financial remedies case is entirely akin to a decision of a Judge.

David also hears very many private FDRs and conducts Early Neutral Evaluations. Both almost always lead to settlement between the parties, however polarised their positions had initially appeared. He accepts instructions to hear Schedule 1 and Tolata cases.

Although most of his hearings are conducted in the specialist tribunal facilities at 29 Bedford Row, he is prepared to travel. He hears cases in solicitor’s offices around the country if that suits the parties better in a particular case. He is also entirely comfortable conducting hearings over Zoom, Teams or any other suitable medium. 

• Recommendations

  "David Walden-Smith is brave, thoughtful, well prepared and charming."

  Chambers and Partners 2026

  "He's a very good lawyer with a very good attitude."

  Chambers and Partners 2026

  "David is very calm and responsive; a very effective problem solver."

  Chambers and Partners 2024

  Highly regarded family finance specialist with strong expertise in matters involving complex company valuations, assets, trust and tax issues. "He is very adaptable; if he has to be firm with particularly difficult clients, he manages it really well, but he can also be empathetic." "He is a safe pair of hands."

  Chambers and Partners 2022

  Highly regarded family finance specialist with a strong expertise in matters involving complex company valuations, assets, trust and tax issues. Healso takes on Schedule 1 applications. Strengths: “He is extremely hands-on and has a good grasp of the case, which enables the parties to reach a settlement.” “He has a great eye for detail and gets to the heart of any case quickly and efficiently. He is fair,pragmatic, and robust when required.”

  Chambers and Partners 2021

• Notable Cases

  • Haley v Haley
    [2020] EWCA Civ 1369
    
  • Re L-W
    [2011] 1 FLR 1095
    
  • Re B
    [2008] 2 FLR 2060
    
  • Oxley v Hiscock
    [2004] 2 FLR 669
    

• Personal Information

  David is married with two children.  His daughter is a specialist neuro-physiotherapist, and his son is a junior doctor.

  His leisure pursuits include photography, cycling and boating.