• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Tuesday September 16 2025

Shakespeare Martineau appoints new Bristol partner

Full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has appointed real estate partner David Smithen to its land team.

David joins the firm’s Bristol office, bringing with him more than 30 years’ experience in residential development, commercial real estate and strategic land.

He was previously a partner at TLT, and his career also includes roles at Eversheds, Pinsent Masons, Arthur Andersen and Gateley.

A well-known name in the development sector, David acts for national and regional developers, landowners and investors on complex, high-value transactions. His work spans commercial development, residential schemes, strategic land agreements and mixed-use regeneration projects.

In his new role, David will focus on expanding Shakespeare Martineau’s client base across residential and commercial development and supporting the wider growth of the firm in the region.

David said: “Shakespeare Martineau has a well-earned reputation as a national specialist in development law, with the ambition, scale and strength-in-depth to support clients on major schemes. The firm’s energy and drive really stood out to me, and I saw an exciting opportunity to help grow its presence in the South West.

“Real estate development is a complex and demanding area of law – but one that’s incredibly rewarding. I enjoy problem-solving and delivering practical, commercially-focused results that help bring transformational developments to life.”

David’s recent work spans a variety of high-profile and complex development projects, including a £10 million land sale and management agreement in South Gloucestershire, and the acquisition, funding and development of a 90-acre mixed-use scheme in Exeter.

He has also advised on a £20 million financing facility for a care home portfolio across the South East, and acted on forward-funded mixed-use schemes such as a major NHS health hub in Weston-Super-Mare.

His appointment adds further depth to Shakespeare Martineau’s residential development offering and aligns with the firm’s ongoing investment in its specialist sector teams.

Victoria Tester, partner and managing director at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “David’s track record and depth of experience in the development market makes him an excellent addition to our team.

“His arrival reinforces our commitment to growth in the South West and our focus on supporting clients involved in high-impact, strategically important developments. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”