David returned to practice as a defence advocate at the end of 2010, following seven years as an Advocate Depute. His work initially as a Trial AD and then for four years as a Senior AD has provided insight into all aspects of High Court prosecution, ranging from pre-petition procedure to trial or plea negotiation. He has also appeared regularly in the Court of Appeal.

David has conducted many high profile and other sensitive cases as leading counsel. He has wide experience of investigating and presenting detailed and complex technical and medical evidence. He also has prior experience as a corporate lawyer in private practice.

In 2009 he was appointed the first Depute Head of the newly formed National Sexual Crimes Unit, a role he held for a year. This involved regular involvement with vulnerable witnesses, and meetings with complainers before and after the trials.