David M. Watson

Biography

David focuses his practice on complex business and commercial litigation, with particular experience in banking and financial services matters across Texas and nationwide. He also represents clients in disputes involving commercial real estate, intellectual property (including trademark and copyright), and employment matters. David is an experienced advocate and effective writer, known for his clear communication and persuasive legal arguments.

Clients value his understanding and counsel on complex business issues. He brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to resolving disputes, representing clients in both state and federal courts where his advocacy includes trials, hearings, and depositions.

Originally from Europe and holding dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship, David brings a global mindset to his work and builds trusted relationships with clients and colleagues alike. His background also includes work on international white-collar investigations and trade compliance matters. He was part of a legal team tasked with monitoring a global telecommunications company in what became the largest export compliance and trade sanctions monitorship in U.S. history. In that role, David conducted site visits, investigations, and export compliance audits across dozens of countries for a global network of subsidiaries, leveraging his global perspective and knowledge of regulatory and compliance law to assist international businesses.

David’s legal foundation is complemented by academic scholarships involving securities regulation and business enterprises, and he has contributed to published works and had his own work published in the Securities Regulation Law Journal. His multilingual abilities—Croatian, French, and German—allow David to communicate effectively across cultures and jurisdictions.

Outside of the office, David enjoys HIIT workouts, playing basketball and tennis, and following NBA basketball and Manchester United in the English Premier League.

Education

  • Columbia Law School and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators  (Certificate)
    • International Commercial Arbitration
  • Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law  (J.D.)
    • International Law Review Association, Associate Managing Editor 2017-18; Staff Editor 2016-17
    • Semi-Finalist for Case Note Publication, February 2017
    • Student Bar Association, Mentor to 1L class
    • Corporate Law Association, Vice President
    • Brief Writer and Oralist - Wilhelm C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria
    • Lead Attorney - National Civil Mock Trial Competition in San Diego, California
  • The University of Texas at Dallas  (B.A., magna cum laude)
    • Political Science
    • Dean’s List, Spring 2012, 2014
    • John Marshall Pre-Law Society, President May 2013 - May 2014

Bar Admissions

  • Texas
  • New York (pending)

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of International Trade

Affiliations/Memberships

  • Dallas Bar Association, Member
  • Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Member
  • American Bar Association – Litigation Section, International Law Section, Young Lawyer Section, Member.

Distinctions

  • Texas Super Lawyers | Rising Star in Business Litigation, 2024

Languages

  • Croation
  • French
  • German