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David has over 40 years of trial and litigation experience trying cases throughout the North Carolina state and federal courts. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, with special emphasis on the defense and representation of clients in trucking and transportation, product liability and business litigation. David represents numerous national clients across North Carolina. He has also successfully represented his clients at the appellate level before the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
David joined Young Moore after graduating from law school in 1984. He leads the firm’s Trucking and Transportation Practice Group and served as the firm’s Managing Partner from February 2017 through February 2023. Outside of Young Moore, David serves as President of the American College of Transportation Attorneys and is active in ALFA International, an established global network of independent law firms whose mission is to provide high-quality, cost-efficient legal services wherever clients need them. He is a past member of ALFA’s board of directors and a past chair of its Transportation Practice Group. David is also active in the Propane Gas Defense Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) where he is a past president of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Southeast Region (SEABOTA) and the Eastern North Carolina Chapter.
David is recognized in Best Lawyers®, North Carolina Super Lawyers®, and Business North Carolina Legal Elite™. He holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law and the College of William and Mary.
Education & Bar Admissions
- J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 1984
- B.A., The College of William and Mary, 1981
Admitted in
- North Carolina, 1984
- U.S. District Courts for North Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit
Achievements
- American College of Transportation Attorneys (ACTA)
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Southeastern Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (SEABOTA), Past President
- Named Best Lawyers® Litigation – Insurance “Lawyer of the Year” (2018 and 2024) in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Named Best Lawyers® Product Liability Litigation (Defendants) “Lawyer of the Year” (2023) in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Litigation–Insurance (2017-2026), in Product Liability Litigation–Defendants (2017-2026), and in Transportation Law (2025, 2026)
- Listed in Business North Carolina Legal Elite™ in the area of Litigation (2023)
- Listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers® (2006–2026), Business Edition (2011-2016)
Activities
- American College of Transportation Attorneys (ACTA), Chairman (2023 – )
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Southeastern Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (SEABOTA)
- Past President
- ALFA International
- Board of Directors (1998-2002)
- Transportation Practice Group, Chair (2002)
- Triangle Pastoral Counseling, Inc.
- Board of Directors (2004-2006)
Publications & Presentations
- “What Plaintiff’s Lawyers Do Wrong in Depositions,” Deposition Skills Training, November 2011
- “Legislative Change Allows Expert Testimony Regarding Vehicle Speed,” with Shannon Frankel, 16 The Defender, No. 1, 33-34, Summer 2007
- Contributing Author, “Can You Protect the Investigation?” with Matthew J. Gray, Truck Accident Litigation (2nd ed., 2006)
- “Managing Your U.S. Exposure,” Ontario Trucking Association, November 15, 2002
- Course Planner and Program Chair, ALFA International Transportation Practice Group Seminar, “Honk If You’re Asleep,” New Orleans (2000)
Milestones
- Summary judgment in favor of volunteer first responder was affirmed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals where plaintiff was erroneously identified as fatally injured and later determined to be alive.
- Successfully defended Canadian-based trucking company in a wrongful death action in North Carolina Federal Court prosecuted by a nationally recognized attorney. Claim involved the death of an eighteen-year-old child survived by both parents. Following dismissal of the punitive damage claim on summary judgment, case was tried to verdict based on admitted liability. Ultimate verdict was within the range suggested to jury and less than five percent of the amount requested by plaintiff in closing argument.
- Recently obtained summary judgment in favor of tire manufacturer based on application of North Carolina statute of repose where plaintiff’s demand exceeded $53 million. Summary judgment was affirmed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
- Represented national motor carrier involved in interstate motor vehicle accident where plaintiff alleged injuries and damages exceeding $2 million. Verdict rendered in the amount of $60,000 based on admitted liability.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of golf car servicer based on lack of duty to repair gasoline powered utility vehicle. Plaintiff’s injuries involved substantial burns.
Disclaimer: The above information may not necessarily reflect the attorney’s entire record, and the outcome of any particular future matter cannot be predicated on the attorney’s or law firm’s past results.