David focuses on representing corporations as national, regional, local and trial counsel in all phases of complex product liability litigation, from pre-litigation crisis management through trial. He has broad experience in defense of product liability litigation, including automobiles, exercise and recreational equipment, heavy industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals and toxic torts, including asbestos. He has also defended corporations in class actions, multi‑district litigation and state-wide consolidations. David has extensive deposition experience including preparation and defense of corporate executives, as well as scientific, medical and technical experts.
He also has experience in the defense of alleged catastrophic injuries, such as burns, and catastrophic accidents on construction sites. David has represented construction clients in disputes involving construction defect and breach of contract. David is co-leader of Harris Beach Murtha's First Response Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Team. Attorneys on this team provide on-scene guidance in the response to an emergency as well as counsel on risk management and crisis planning.
Prior to joining Harris Beach Murtha, David practiced with a New York City law firm, where his experience included representing a company as national counsel in the “Fen Phen” litigation. He also represented a major Japanese international manufacturing client as Northeast Regional Discovery Coordinator, responsible for preparation of discovery responses and mass document production. David also has significant experience in defense of international automotive manufacturers against product liability claims. These types of claims range from allegedly inadequate occupant restraint systems, airbags and seat belts, to crashworthiness, failure to comply with federal regulations and a variety of failure to warn claims.
For Harris Beach, David also shares in responsibility for firm management. He serves as partner-in-charge of the New York City office summer associate program and supervises the New York City docketing and managing clerk staff.