Practice Summary

David Holgate QC was called to the Bar in 1978. He was junior Counsel to the Inland Revenue in Rating and Valuation matters (1990-97) and was a member of the Supplementary Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (1986-1997). He took silk in 1997 and was first admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 2000. He was appointed a Recorder in 2001.

David specialises in planning, public law, compulsory purchase and compensation, rating, environmental law, highways and all aspects of local government and other related areas of property law. He appears frequently in Court (at all levels), the Lands Tribunal and at public inquiries. He has also appeared in Hong Kong in the Court of Final Appeal, Court of Appeal, High Court and the Lands Tribunal. He also sits as an Arbitrator.

David is consistently rated as a leader in his field in the top two legal directories in planning, local government, administrative and public law, and environment law lists.

"one of the best planning advocates in the business" (2009)

"someone who runs rings round the opposition" (2009)

"... outstandingly proactive, efficient and cerebral" (2008)

“renowned for his lateral approach…looks at tricky problems from angles that wouldn’t occur to most. Planning and rating work features highly on his case load.” (2008)

“a very solid and experienced High Court advocate…his busy practice also covers major CPO inquiries and environmental impact assessments” (2008)

“…enjoys an excellent reputation as intellectually very able and commercial and pragmatic in approach.” (2007)

“…in demand for his cerebral and focussed approach. Clients appreciate his affable manner and dedication to the cause” (2007)

“…highly regarded by sources as being extremely efficient, effective and bright.” (2006)

David is a member of the Planning and Environment Bar Association, the Administrative Law Bar Association and the Compulsory Purchase Association. He is also a member of the Estates Committee of the Middle Temple.

In 2000 he chaired a Working Group for English Heritage dealing with regulation and the protection of listed buildings, conservation areas and ancient monuments.