David A. Ernst

David Ernst is a seasoned trial lawyer and risk management counselor whose primary focus for the past 15 years has been the food and beverage industry. David is a recognized national leader for this type of work, regularly representing national restaurant chains, food manufacturers, and distributors in cases across the country. He has handled more than 1,000 matters arising from outbreak and contamination cases, including E.coli, Hepatitis A and Salmonella claims. David also has experience in food safety commercial and class action litigation. He also advises clients on risk management and policy development to help reduce litigation risk and exposure. David is a thought-leader in this space, having spoken to dozens of industry and legal groups across the country and in China.

When he is not working with food and beverage industry clients, David handles abuse litigation for nonprofits, including schools and religious institutions. He also handles employment litigation for local clients. While his primary focus is to help clients avoid litigation and trials, David has completed more than 40 jury trials in his career and is a member of The American Board of Trial Advocates.

David has been recognized as a premier litigator by Chambers USA: "America's Leading Lawyers for Business"; the publication has described him as having "developed an impressive national reputation in food outbreak disputes." He is also named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Woodward/White, where he is one of only 14 attorneys recognized nationwide for achievement in Food and Beverage Law.