David
Kidman

David specialises in resolving product liability disputes, advising on product regulatory investigations, and assisting with product recalls and other corrective action. Complementary to this, he is experienced in handling recovery claims (domestically and internationally), product compliance, insurance policy coverage, group litigation, and jurisdiction disputes.

He is ranked in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 (‘Leading Partner’ category) for Product Liability: Defendant work, and recognised as “a superb lawyer who provides astute advice and an exceptional level of client service” (Chambers & Partners 2026), and “a real market leader. Very bright, experienced and insightful. Clients flock to him for his calm, perceptive advice and tactical brilliance” (Legal 500 2025). Chambers & Partners 2025 quotes that “David’s professionalism and dedication are truly exceptional”. He is also recognised as having “a highly regarded commercial approach” (Chambers & Partners 2022), “the highest quality of skill and considered advice” (Legal 500 2023), and “an excellent command of the details as well as being able to keep big-picture strategy in mind” (Chambers & Partners 2023).

David routinely advises producers, distributors, retailers and their insurers on a range of product types, such as medical devices, automobiles, toys, and electrical goods. He has particular expertise in the life sciences, tech, food & drink, and retail sectors. He is experienced in robustly defending claims and navigating complex expert evidence, while upholding the reputation of his clients and finding commercially sensible outcomes.

He advises on product compliance issues, product safety and corrective action management plans, and stress-testing of due diligence exercised prior to release of products onto the market. He assists clients in defending against regulatory investigations and enforcement action.

His group litigation experience includes co-drafting a claims handling agreement for predictable and cost-effective resolution of approximately 2,000 claims (Linkwise Group Litigation), and leading the defence in the PIP Breast Implant Group Litigation, which culminated in a unanimous Supreme Court win on a discrete insurance issue for his client.

David’s life sciences expertise includes advising clients in relation to spinal disc implants, surgical knives, experimental stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy, and pathology reporting for cancer treatment. His tech sector and novel product expertise includes advising on products including firewall devices, lithium-ion batteries, autonomous vehicle technology, and lightweight bullet-proof vests. He regularly advises clients on tomorrow’s technology, and the risks and opportunities they pose.