Born and brought up in Dunfermline, educated at Dunfermline High School and studying Physics at Edinburgh University, David then joined Cable & Wireless as a trainee electronics engineer. After a secondment in Bermuda and completion of his studies with Cable & Wireless in London, David saw the light and left to study Law at the University of Dundee, graduating with Honours in 1976. Following his apprenticeship with Munro & Noble, David had a spell as an assistant with the firm before becoming a Partner in 1979.

In 1980 he set up the Court Department and then in 1985 he formed the Commercial Department, which he still heads today. He undertakes all aspects of company law, including acquisitions, restructuring, sale & purchase of shares and assets, and incorporation. He also undertakes work for charitable organisations working for the community benefit, often involving both local and national government bodies.