David Lister

Reputed for his cutting-edge techniques, David defines his approach as “thinking outside the box” and “solution driven.” “Brilliant” with a “real spark which clients love” (Legal 500), he goes the extra mile to deliver outstanding strategic solutions for his clients.

During his career, David has pioneered the use of litigation funding and third-party disclosure, as well as having conduct of the largest court determined matrimonial settlement at the time (£54 million), with proceedings in six jurisdictions. 

David is a top divorce solicitor who has regularly featured in Spears 500 and Legal 500. He was recognised by Legal 500 as a leading partner in 2024.

CAREER

Before joining Vardags, David was previously partner at a number of leading international law firms. David has also lectured at The Manchester Law School and The French Bar, as well as lecturing internationally at the IAFL, where he served as Governor for over five years.

Recently, David was invited by Joshua Rozenberg to appear on his legal podcast ‘A Lawyer Talks’.

reported cases

• Masefield v Alexander (Lump Sum: Extension of Time) [1994]
• Sears Tooth v Payne Hicks Beach [1998]
• G v G (Maintenance Pending Suit: Legal Costs) [2002] EWHC 306 (Fam)
• M v M [2013] EWHC 2534 (Fam)
• M v M [2013] EWHC 3372 (Fam)
• Williams v Williams [2023] EWHC 3098 (Fam) (13 October 2023)
• Williams v Williams [2023] EWHC 3479 (Fam) (25 October 2023)
• Williams v Williams [2024] EWFC 275

Personal

David is a Trustee of the People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals (PDSA), sitting on the finance committee. He is also a Founder of City Saddles (equine group) and was a Development Board Member of the The Brooke Charity. 

Testimonials

‘His clients regularly include celebrities and well-known personalities. He has spent decades dealing with some of the most complex cases there are and there is nothing he hasn’t handled in his long career.’ - Legal 500

‘David Lister is a brilliant addition to the Vardags team. He has ensured that the team are more cohesive. The team work well together.’ - Legal 500

‘David Lister is enormously knowledgeable and has fantastic experience in complex cases. Very good client focus, always appears on top of key details, and is very empathetic.’ - Legal 500

‘David Lister is one of family law’s elder statesmen, and for good reason. He has exceptional judgement and ability.’ - Legal 500

More information about David’s work outside of Vardags can be found here.

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