Gavin graduated from Liverpool University in 1998 with a BSc in Chemistry and German. He then completed a PhD at Liverpool University in 2001 and worked as a post-doctoral research assistant in the chemistry department of Cambridge University in 2002. Thereafter, he completed the PGDL and BVC (as a Lord Denning Scholar) and in September 2005 he completed pupillage at IP specialist chambers, 11 South Square.

Gavin now works as a non-practising barrister in the intellectual property department of Bird & Bird and he has a strong interest in life sciences and contentious matters. His work is primarily litigation based, particularly in relation to patents, including Mayne Pharma v Debiopharm. Gavin has also worked on several trade mark matters.