“David McGowan is a leading government contracts and procurement litigation specialist, combining technical mastery of subsidy control and merger regulation with strategic insight into complex public sector projects. Ranked Band 2 by Chambers UK, he is trusted by government departments, regulators and major bidders to design compliant procurements and defend high-stakes challenges at the highest levels.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial, 2026

David McGowan is Counsel in Dentons’ Competition practice and one of the UK’s leading advisers in regulated procurement and government contracts. He acts for government departments, utilities, regulators and bidders on complex, high-value procurement projects and disputes.

Described by Chambers UK as “a seasoned and trusted adviser” and “a very, very, good lawyer,” David is ranked Band 2 for Public Procurement and recognised as a key member of a Band 1 Competition (Scotland) team by Legal 500.

What He Actually Does

In practical terms, David advises public bodies and major contractors on designing, running and defending procurement processes – and represents bidders in procurement challenges before the courts.

His expertise includes:

• Public procurement and government contracts
• Procurement litigation and Supreme Court challenges
• Subsidy control and state aid
• UK merger control
• National Security & Investment (NSI) issues in procurements
• Competition law in regulated sectors
• Grant funding and public sector compliance

Representative Experience

David has advised numerous UK Government departments, including the Ministry of Defence, Cabinet Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Department for Education.

He has acted for Network Rail on complex infrastructure procurements across the GB rail network, including the establishment of multi-billion-pound framework agreements and alliancing arrangements.

In procurement litigation, he has advised on leading cases including Healthcare at Home v. The Common Services Agency, which proceeded to the UK Supreme Court and remains a key authority on transparency obligations. He has also advised on high-profile Covid-related litigation concerning direct awards in the health sector.

Academic & Thought Leadership

David is widely published in the Public Procurement Law Review and is a member of its Editorial Board. He has authored numerous case notes and articles on transparency, subcontracting restrictions, remedies and utilities directives.

He co-authored sections (with Professor Sue Arrowsmith) of the leading textbook The Law of Public and Utilities Procurement (3rd Edition), focusing on land and development agreements and remedies in EU-funded projects.

Recognition & Accreditations

• Band 2 – Public Procurement, Chambers UK
• Recommended for Government Contracts – Who’s Who Legal
• Key member of Band 1 Competition (Scotland) team – Legal 500
• Accredited Specialist in Public Procurement Law – Law Society of Scotland
• Member, Procurement Lawyers’ Association
• Member, Editorial Board – Public Procurement Law Review

Why He Is Different

David combines deep technical knowledge of procurement and competition law with hands-on experience advising both contracting authorities and bidders. This dual perspective enables him to anticipate risk, structure compliant processes and respond strategically when disputes arise.

His work sits at the intersection of public law, competition enforcement and major infrastructure delivery — an area where precision and commercial awareness are essential.

Contact

Direct: +44 33 0222 1880
Email: Available via Dentons
LinkedIn: Available via firm profile