Professional Profile

David practices primarily in the area of complex business disputes; has extensive experience in class action work in state and federal court; counsels clients on how to avoid business disputes; and deals with issues of board governance and fiduciary duty claims. He has experience in federal MDL litigation including class action, securities litigation, and products liability. He has tried cases before the majority of federal judges in Kansas City, Missouri, and regularly tries cases in Jackson County, Missouri. He also has experience in temporary restraining order/preliminary injunction proceedings in state and federal court in Missouri and Kansas. He works regularly with lawyers from other parts of the country whose clients have litigation in Missouri and Kansas.

He is currently serving as chairman of the management committee of the firm. Nick DiVita and Jim Eisenbrandt also serve on the management committee. The firm's philosophy is to manage efficiently so that we are all actively practicing law and serving clients.

His civic activities include serving as a board member of The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City; a board member of The Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics and chair of the compensation committee and the audit and internal compliance committee; board member of Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City and Johnson County Arts Council; and board member and chair of the governance committee of Kansas City Repertory Theatre. He is on the board of The Francis Family Foundation and is a trustee of the Murphy Charitable Fund.

Education

• Boston University School of Law (J.D., 1977)
• Haverford College (B.A., with honors in History, 1974)
• Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions & Qualifications

• Missouri, 1977
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
• U.S. District Court, District of Kansas
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Memberships

• Missouri Bar Association
• Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

Distinctions

• Recipient of The Whittaker Award in 1998, from The Lawyers Association of Kansas City
• Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
• Listed in "The Best Lawyers in America"®
• Listed in Chambers USA
• Listed in Benchmark Litigation