This appointment marks a return for David who was a solicitor in the firm from 1999 to 2005. Since then he served as a Conservative (and latterly Independent) Member of Parliament from May 2005 to November 2019. During his political career he was Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor. He was the first solicitor to hold the office of Lord Chancellor.

Commenting on the appointment, Senior Partner Sebastian Prichard Jones said: “In recent times we have seen increasing demand from clients for our assistance on topics such as our future trading relationship with the EU and the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic. David’s understanding of policy and the political landscape, combined with existing expertise within the firm, will enable us to support our clients further as we navigate these uncertain times.”

David Gauke comments: “I am really pleased to be returning to Macfarlanes in this new role, which will allow me to combine my policy experience and legal background for the purposes of providing insight and advice to clients to support their business objectives.”