David Orbaum

Ranked in Tier 1 for Family and Children Law – The Legal 500 (2026)

“David is a well-established barrister who gets on with his case efficiently. He is an effective advocate”

– The Legal 500 (2026)

David Orbaum has practiced as a barrister and solicitor for over 30 years, with a busy mixed common-law practice including criminal, family and civil work. In recent years, he has specialised mostly in family law and has a comprehensive knowledge of the subject.

He specialises in all aspects of private and public children’s work in the family field, representing local authorities, parents and related parties, and children’s guardians. He takes on work involving potentially dangerous parties to care proceedings where others have been reluctant to act.

Crossover with crime

He has a clear understanding of issues affecting the crossover between the criminal and family jurisdictions. he acted as sole advocate (without a leader) for one of the parties in both the high-profile criminal and care proceedings arising out of a local kidnap investigation in Dewsbury, which attracted national media coverage.

International family cases

David has undertaken a number of cases involving difficult issues of international jurisdiction relating to children, divorce and nullity.

Approach

His many years in private practice as a solicitor enable David to relate confidently and effectively to the people he represents, regardless of their background.

Lecturing

David conducts seminars, lectures and training in relation to the cross over between criminal and family proceedings, and all aspects of public law children work.

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.

“David is just superb. His no nonsense, bold approach provides confidence that every instruction is in capable, safe hands. When required, his firm challenge to the bench and peers is always correctly pitched."

The Legal 500 (2025)

"David is a comprehensive advocate with a great eye for detail. He goes the extra mile for any client."

The Legal 500 (2024)

"David is a formidable cross-examiner. He can unpick complexities in a case with ease. Measured and calm."

The Legal 500 (2022)

Testimonials

“David is a comprehensive advocate with a great eye for detail. He goes the extra mile for any client.” – The Legal 500 (2024)
“David is a formidable cross-examiner. He can unpick complexities in a case with ease. Measured and calm.” – The Legal 500 (2022)
“David has tremendous negotiation skills aided by a firm stance taken from the outset of discussion with other parties. There is no fear of David being compromised if it does not suit his position in the case.” – The Legal 500 (2021)
“A safe pair of hands with tremendous negotiation skills.” – The Legal 500 (2020)
“A confident advocate who is liked by his clients.” – The Legal 500 (2019)
“Very experienced in public law childcare proceedings.” – The Legal 500 (2017)

Notable cases

2009 – Re SM – a high-profile child-care case involving kidnap on a West Yorkshire housing estate; acted without leading counsel for boyfriend of mother
2013 – Re RM – acted with leader in complex child care case for father of child with complex injuries involving multi-disciplinary medical experts
2014 – SK v AK – acted for wife in divorce/nullity with difficult issues of international jurisdiction
2017 – Re NA, LA, Sa, SA and JA (Children)acted for father as leading junior in lengthy composite final hearing – very serious allegations of sexual abuse including rape and difficult issues in relation to children giving evidence.
2018 – Re MA, BA, SA (Children)- acted for Mother complex issues re unexplained non accidental head injury and international element with potential placement of children with foreign nationals (Libyan)- multiple hearings from commencement of proceedings in 2016.
2019 – Re CP,DP,DP,EP,LP and DP (Children)- Acted for Mother as leading junior in lengthy final composite hearing before high court judge with complex medical issues as to causation of serious injuries to genital area of child and difficult issues as to placement of 6 children with 4 children’s guardians.

Over the past 30 years, David Orbaum has developed extensive experience of defending most aspects of regulatory work for individuals and companies, including health & safety, food hygiene, dangerous substances, and breaches of planning regulations.

Crossover with criminal law

He is also very experienced in cases involving serious criminal offences in the Crown Court. This crossover with criminal law lends an invaluable dimension to David’s regulatory & disciplinary work. His comprehensive grasp of the entire criminal process offers a significant advantage when presenting in Crown Court.

Approach

David’s prior experience working as a solicitor has resulted in a confident and effective approach when dealing with those he represents, regardless of their background.