David Wakefield is an Associate at KCL Law specialising in corporate and commercial law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity transactions. He advises clients on investments, divestments, joint ventures and restructures across a broad range of industries, bringing a pragmatic, commercially focused approach to the deal team.
David is known for his personable approach and his ability to distil complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice. He regularly works alongside key decision makers on complex transactions and significant contractual arrangements and is valued for his commercial judgement and responsiveness throughout the transaction lifecycle.
He brings years of experience from highly regarded law firms in New Zealand where he acted for a broad range of clients – from emerging startups to large multi-national corporations. David has advised both buyers and sellers on domestic and cross‑border mid‑market transactions and plays a key role on some of KCL Law’s larger and more complex matters, working closely with Jeremy Goldman, Marcus Best, Roger Rothfield and other senior lawyers across the firm.
David joined KCL Law in January 2026 after relocating from Christchurch, New Zealand. He was first admitted to the High Court of New Zealand in September 2022 and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in February 2026, following the completion of a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting, Taxation and Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury. Outside of his legal practice, David has a strong track record of community service. He previously served for a decade as a committee member of a leading New Zealand cricket club, most recently as the Vice President, where he was heavily involved in the delivery of multiple major sporting infrastructure projects. He also remains a trustee of the BetterMan Charitable Trust, which focuses on improving men’s mental health through positive psychology initiatives.
Areas of Practice
Commercial & Corporate
- Private Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
- Equity Capital Markets (ECM)
- Private Equity (PE)
- Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
- Corporate governance and business advisory