Our people
David Sworder
I joined Hoare Lea in 2002, having worked previously for the Health Service as a hospital engineer and spending 16 years with another firm of consulting engineers. Now a Partner and head of the Expert Witness group, my role is to provide an independent expert opinion to the court or tribunal in construction litigation cases. I enjoy the variety of the work, as there is always a new system to research, or problem to get involved with.
Engineering human experiences.
I have worked a lot in the healthcare sector, and by far my most memorable impact was working on the renovation of the neurosurgery theatres at Great Ormond St Hospital. Being involved in a project that improves the life chances of children – what could be better than that?
A defining moment.
I was the project leader for the New British Library, a project spanning 10 years. However, I then spent the next three years fighting the ensuing legal case, and had a career – and life! – changing moment when I spent three-and-a-half days in a witness box being cross-examined by a leading QC. I came out with an in-depth understanding of construction litigation cases and the role of an expert witness.