David Bond | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

Drawing on three decades of experience, I help clients structure and implement their franchise strategies, avoid common pitfalls and maximise commercial returns.  A significant part of my work involves navigating complex international regulatory frameworks and diverse local law requirements to ensure successful, scalable franchise expansion.  I advise clients across all sectors but have particular focus on the education, hotels and leisure, entertainment and services sectors.

Within the advertising sector, I support clients in developing and protecting their brands through compliant and effective marketing communications and promotional activity. My work includes advising on marketing claims and promotions to ensure regulatory compliance, as well as lodging and defending complaints with regulators like the ASA.

In collaboration with ISBA and key media consultants, I helped with the creation of ISBA's ground‑breaking template media planning and buying contract, helping to establish a framework that promotes greater transparency and accountability between advertisers and their agencies.

I am very proud that our franchise and advertising and marketing teams are consistently ranked by the independent legal directories of Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who's Who Legal. 

On a personal level:

  • Legal 500 ranks me in their "Hall of Fame" for Franchising and Lexology Index ranks me as a "Global Elite Thought Leader" for Franchising
  • Chambers & Partners has ranked me as a leading lawyer in Franchising and Advertising & Marketing for 15 and 13 years respectively
  • WTR 1000 and IP Stars recognise me as a Recommended Individual and Notable Practitioner respectively
  • I am a consultant editor on the editorial board of LexisNexis' PSL online publication
Education

Education

College of Law, York

I passed the CPE/LPC with Distinction.

University of St Andrews

MA (Joint Hons) in English and Mediaeval History.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Chambers and Partners
He is extremely knowledgeable on client-media agency transactions. He is really adept at taking complex issues and drafting them into meaningful clauses
Legal 500 2026

Excellent leadership, David Bond is a superb pragmatic lawyer.

Legal 500
Provide[s] 'pragmatic' and 'commercial' advice
Legal 500 2026

Exceptional franchising knowledge and very articulate when negotiating with the opposition makes negotiations much simpler.

World Trademark Review
David Bond is the master of brand exploitation
Chambers UK 2025

[David] just gives a great service. I would recommend him to anyone.

Chambers UK 2025

David Bond is really outstanding - he's a partner so he can answer anything and everything in the way I need it.

Legal 500 2026

Superb support from David Bond and Kate Williams. Have been supportive in face-to-face negotiations with other side including managing a difficult opposition lawyer.

Legal 500 2026

Very articulate which has also gained praise from our partner/investor.

Authored pieces

All Resources
Franchising Distribution, Agency and IP Licensing
Insight

School expansion: Lesson 2 - structuring charitable schools for international growth

30.07.2026
Part two of our series on international expansion for UK independent schools explores why charitable schools typically use trading subsidiaries when expanding overseas, how those structures work and the governance issues schools should consider before entering international franchise arrangements.
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A vibrant, abstract image featuring intertwined neon lights in blue, pink, and purple hues against a dark background. The lights form fluid, wavy shapes that create a dynamic and visually stimulating pattern.
Franchising Distribution, Agency and IP Licensing
Insight

The future of the pub estate: from managed estates to resilient franchise networks

03.06.2026
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Franchising Distribution, Agency and IP Licensing
Insight

What school governors need to know before approving an international expansion strategy

16.04.2026
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Education
Insight

From local school to global brand: Why independent schools are turning to the franchise model

31.03.2026
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Franchising Distribution, Agency and IP Licensing
Insight

Maximising Revenue for Independent Schools – Franchise Expansion

06.01.2025
UK independent schools face unprecedented financial pressures, exacerbated by the recent budget imposing higher taxes and operational costs.  Although many schools are seeking revenue through traditional means like renting facilities and attracting donations, franchising or licensing may offer an attractive source of much-needed additional revenue.  
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What others say…

Chambers and Partners
He is extremely knowledgeable on client-media agency transactions. He is really adept at taking complex issues and drafting them into meaningful clauses
Legal 500
Provide[s] 'pragmatic' and 'commercial' advice
World Trademark Review
David Bond is the master of brand exploitation