David Shafie is a seasoned litigator with broad experience handling complex civil litigation across multiple industries in state and federal courts. He concentrates his practice on the defense of claims related to transportation matters, premises liability, asbestos, construction defect, and insurance coverage. Drawing on substantial experience representing plaintiffs and defendants, trying several matters to verdict, David brings a uniquely informed perspective to evaluating clients’ risk and exposure, enabling him to anticipate opposing counsel’s tactics and design effective, results-driven defense strategies from pre-suit to verdict.
Prior to joining Wilson Elser. David practiced at a Bucks County, Pennsylvania, personal injury firm specializing in automobile accident and premises liability litigation, as well as uninsured/underinsured, breach of contract, and bad faith matters. Earlier in his career, he gained significant industry experience working at multiple insurance defense firms and a Fortune 100 national insurance company.
David sits as an Arbitrator in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and serves as Judge Pro Tem in Philadelphia’s Dispute Resolution Center for major jury trials.
Areas of Focus
Transportation
In the transportation area, David has successfully represented national insurers in subrogation and coverage litigation, as well as their insureds in third-party liability matters.
Asbestos & Construction Defect
David has experience defending national automotive parts suppliers and retailers against claims brought under the Asbestos Mass Tort Program in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, he has represented national insurers in coverage actions involving construction defects in New Jersey courts.
Premises Liability
David has successfully represented major restaurant chains and brick-and-mortar retailers in a broad range of premises liability and code enforcement matters.
- Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D., 2001)
- Distinguished Performance Recognition in Evidence
- Saint Joseph's University (B.A. English/Philosophy, 1994)
- Owen Gilman Award for Writing
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
- Supreme Court of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- Philadelphia Bar Association
- Montgomery County Bar Association
- Bucks County Bar Association