David Orbaum has a solid understanding of jurisdiction and disclosure issues affecting both the criminal and family courts, and his child-care work combines well with his work on abuse cases in the criminal courts.
Serious offences
In recent years, David has undertaken representation in cases involving serious criminal offences of all types in the Crown Court, whether as a single advocate, being led, or as a leading junior. He particularly undertakes criminal defence work with an emphasis on physical- and sexual-abuse cases
Road traffic law
David has a comprehensive and specialised knowledge of road traffic law and regulatory offences, acting for individual defendants and companies in the Magistrates Court and representing defendants facing the most serious of offences — including causing death by dangerous driving in the Crown Court.
Approach
David’s years in practice as a solicitor have contributed to his confident and effective manner when dealing with those he represents, regardless of their background.
Advantageous experience
When practising as a solicitor for many years, David developed a busy mixed common-law practice including criminal, family and civil work. He developed extensive experience of advising at police stations and represented in the Magistrates and Youth Courts. As a result, he has a comprehensive grasp of the entire criminal process — a significant advantage when presenting cases in Crown Court.
Notable cases
- 2002 – R v Dennis Broadfield Leeds Crown Court – attempted murder with a firearm; acquitted
- 2008/9 – R v Craig Meehan – indecent images (high-profile media case) – convicted after trial in lower court and partially successful on appeal to Leeds Crown Court
- R v Haynes – nearly fatal section-18 wounding; sentence of 9 years successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal and significantly reduced
- 2012 R v Gardiner Newcastle Crown Court – very serious historic sexual-abuse case.
Lecturing
David has conducted seminars and has lectured extensively on all aspects of police station advice and how this impacts on criminal proceedings.
Public Access
David Orbaum may accept Public Access work, where he can be instructed directly by a member of the public rather than a solicitor.
Contact David’s clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
