David Perez is a trial and appellate lawyer who focuses on complex business litigation and other high-stakes disputes that frequently unfold in federal courts across the country. He represents companies, public officials, and individuals in matters involving consumer class actions, commercial and post-closing M&A disputes, First Amendment and civil rights claims, election law issues, intellectual property matters (including trade secrets and copyright), and real estate litigation. Clients turn to David when a dispute is fast-moving, reputationally sensitive, or strategically important to their business.

David is a recipient of the Washington State Bar Association’s Award of Merit, the Bar’s highest honor, awarded for a singular achievement that brings credit to the legal profession. No matter the dispute or issue, David is known for assembling focused teams that combine strategic judgment with trial readiness to drive outstanding results.

A substantial portion of David’s practice involves defending companies in consumer and commercial class actions and other complex litigation in federal court. These cases often involve claims under consumer protection statutes, contract theories, and related regulatory frameworks. David regularly handles these matters from the earliest motion practice through discovery, class certification, dispositive motions, and trial, and he works closely with clients to align litigation strategy with business objectives and reputational considerations.

David regularly represents retailers and consumer-facing companies in complex litigation, with a particular focus on pricing and promotional practices. He has defended class actions involving reference pricing, discount advertising, and alleged misrepresentations in online and in-store marketing, and has advised clients on structuring disclosures and practices to mitigate risk under state consumer protection statutes. Drawing on his experience across multiple jurisdictions, David approaches these matters with a focus on early motion practice and class certification strategy, while keeping an eye on the operational realities of retail and e-commerce businesses.

David also has extensive experience litigating trade secret and intellectual property disputes, including matters involving misappropriation of proprietary information, copyright claims, infringement, and related unfair competition issues. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in IP disputes that frequently require expedited briefing, requests for injunctive relief, and coordination across multiple jurisdictions, including federal courts and arbitration forums nationwide.

In his real estate litigation practice, David represents owners, lenders, and commercial tenants with property and leaseholds throughout the United States. These matters range from complex lease disputes and guarantor liability issues to multiparty litigation involving lender exposure, construction disputes, and veil-piercing or alter-ego claims.

David maintains an active pro bono and public service practice focused on civil liberties and voting rights. His work includes representing individuals and organizations in constitutional challenges, advising nonprofit and civic organizations, and drafting legislation designed to expand access to the ballot.

Representative Experience

• Led the successful defense of a global gaming company against a $250 million copyright infringement claim; all substantive claims were dismissed at summary judgment.
  
• Led the successful defense of a Fortune 5 company in a major trade secret dispute alleging over $1 billion in damages; all substantive claims were defeated, and the case ultimately settled on very favorable terms.
  
• Secured multiple First Amendment victories in federal courts in Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington, and represents clients in ongoing constitutional litigation.
  
• Led a successful trade secret arbitration for a global investment company against former employees; obtained injunctive relief and an award of $6.7 million in attorneys’ fees.
  
• Led the successful defense of a major real estate company in a $100 million lease dispute; defeated alter ego claims and ultimately resolved the case on very favorable terms.
  
• Represented a Fortune 5 company in the successful defense of the validity of its global licensing agreement, including unanimous affirmance from the Ninth Circuit after oral argument.
  
• Represented an airplane manufacturer in a merits briefing before the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the scope of 28 U.S.C. § 1782(a) and discovery for use in private arbitration; the matter resolved favorably.
  
• Successfully represented an aviation finance company on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; affirmed a $9 million jury verdict.
  
• Represented media organizations and individuals, including dot.LA and Def Con, in defamation actions; obtained dismissal at the pleading stage, and complete victories at the summary judgment stage.
  
• Led the successful defense of a multinational technology company in trade secret and breach of contract litigation; obtained dismissal of key claims and a favorable resolution.
  
• Led the successful defense of a healthcare company in a trade secret dispute; defeated requests for a temporary restraining order and expedited discovery; and secured dismissal of all claims with prejudice.
  
• Defended national retailers in consumer class actions challenging pricing, promotions, and tax practices; obtained dismissals or orders compelling arbitration.
  
• Defended financial institutions and subsidiaries in putative class actions alleging violations of state and federal consumer protection laws.
  
• Handled complex real estate litigation nationwide, including lease exit disputes, guarantor liability claims, construction disputes, and alter ego allegations, frequently achieving full lease exits and favorable settlements.
  
• Represented tenants in multimillion-dollar allowance disputes in California, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and the District of Columbia.
  
• Serves as outside counsel to candidates for public office on communications, media, and election law compliance.
  
• Represented civil rights plaintiffs and organizations in challenges to policing practices, voting rights restrictions, and equal protection violations.
  
• Served as designated outside counsel to the Seattle Community Police Commission in matters relating to the City of Seattle’s compliance with a Department of Justice consent decree.
  
• Represented a technology company in litigation brought by the Washington attorney general concerning election law issues; resolved the matter without protracted litigation.
  

• Represented plaintiffs in nationwide class actions challenging executive actions and government programs alleged to violate constitutional protections.
  
• Provided outside general counsel services to startups and high-growth companies in the technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and real estate sectors, including companies valued at more than $6 billion.