David Hitchman

David is a Partner and Head of Litigation and Risk, advising businesses, directors, shareholders and private individuals on strategically significant disputes, complex corporate transactions and regulatory matters. He is typically instructed in matters where control of a business, financial security, personal assets or reputation are at stake, providing clear strategic direction and commercially grounded advice.

As Head of Litigation, he leads on high value commercial disputes, including shareholder and partnership conflicts, contractual claims, insolvency related litigation and wider commercial matters. He also advises on trust and probate disputes, property disputes and insurance claims.

Alongside his litigation practice, David advises on corporate transactions and restructurings, including the sale of privately owned businesses, internal reorganisations and shareholder arrangements. He also supports clients in navigating regulatory and compliance issues, particularly where these intersect with governance, director duties and risk exposure.

His experience across contentious, transactional and regulatory matters enables him to anticipate potential areas of dispute at the drafting and structuring stage, allowing risk to be managed proactively in line with clients’ commercial objectives.

Admitted as a solicitor in 1997, David is a founding member of Cotterhill Hitchman LLP. He has extensive experience in technically demanding and financially significant matters and is regularly trusted by clients and professional advisers with issues of real commercial consequence. He also undertakes significant management responsibilities within the firm, including acting as Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP).