David Owen specialises in commercial disputes. He acts as a barrister, mediator and arbitrator. He has over 25 years of experience of disputes involving: commercial transactions; banking; insurance/reinsurance; international trade; shipping; sale of goods, and professional negligence. He is described in the Chambers UK Guide 2010 as "a figure right at the heart of the commercial dispute resolution world".
He regularly appears in court in the UK and in international arbitrations (dealing with cases under ICC, LCIA, LMAA rules, as well as ad hoc references), as counsel and as arbitrator. He is often retained in large and complex cases. He was junior counsel in Bankers Trust v. Dharmala, the first reported English case on selling derivatives. Since then he has been involved in numerous cases concerning derivatives and complex financial products. Recent arbitration work has included a claim against a state relating to a satellite contract, raising difficult factual questions and complex issues of English and foreign law; large shipbuilding claims; disputes between P&I Clubs and members. He is frequently in demand as a mediator in a wide variety of commercial matters. He was accredited by CEDR in 2002 and completed MATA's International Advanced Mediation course in 2006. He is on the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' Panel of Mediators. Recent mediations have involved: gasoil contamination claims; private equity financing disputes; ship sale disputes; corporate finance fees claim; property development and allegations of corporate fraud; disputes as to liability insurance claims. Mediation feedback includes the following: "He came to the mediation incredibly well-prepared, and he quickly grasped the issues presented. He also appreciated and dealt effectively with the significant emotional aspects of the case. He did some very effective reality testing without threatening the trust developed with the parties. David has all the qualities of a successful mediator. He is smart, patient, kind, attentive and thoughtful. He is both a good communicator and a sensitive listener."
