David Leonard Email & Phone Number

Licensed in Texas and New Mexico, David Leonard leverages his real-world trial experience to help clients achieve successful outcomes in a broad range of complex commercial litigation matters before courts all over Texas, and in arbitration. He takes lead through every phase of the dispute resolution process, from initial case assessment and pre-suit negotiations to fact and expert discovery, trial and appeal. David is an aggressive advocate for his clients in the courtroom and a practical negotiator when their interests are better served with a favorable compromise.David’s clients range from high net worth individuals to multi-national corporations across many industries, with an emphasis on disputes arising from the oil and gas, commercial real estate, and franchising/distribution industries.Key Representative Experience-Second-chair lawyer in the representation of two E&P companies in a payment dispute with a working interest owner in the Eagle Ford Shale. Obtained a take-nothing summary judgment and then secured a jury verdict awarding attorneys’ fees after a two-day jury trial in Karnes County, Texas.-Second-chaired a successful AAA arbitration (applying Texas law) on behalf of a global nutritional supplement manufacturer in a payment dispute with its former South African distributor. Also obtained an award of attorneys’ fees and a take-nothing judgment in the defense of the distributor’s counterclaims alleging millions of dollars in damages. -Second-chair lawyer in the representation of a Houston-based, Fortune 500 company in the defense of a $3 million breach-of-contract-claim brought by its former labor supplier. After a six-day jury trial in Harris County, the jury returned a verdict finding Gray Reed’s client had no liability and therefore no damages were awarded to the Plaintiff.-Lead associate in the representation of a Crestwood Equity Partners subsidiary in a lawsuit over the taxable value of an underground natural gas storage cavern facility in Matagorda County, Texas. Following a two week bench trial, the Court reduced the facility’s taxable value by more than $250 million for the two tax years at issue.-​Successfully defended a global franchisor in an appeal from the denial of foreign defendants’ special appearances. Jani-King Franchising, Inc. v. Falco Franchising, S.A., No. 05-15-00335-CV, 2016 WL 2609314 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 5, 2016, no pet.).

Listed skills include Appeals, Mediation, Trial Practice, Arbitration, and 1 others.