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David N. Sneed

Partner

Washington +1 202 662 5027

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    Recognized by Law360 and the National Law Journal as a 2023 Product Liability Rising Star, David Sneed is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on defending technology, pharmaceutical, and commercial clients in mass tort and product liability litigation.

    David has achieved multiple trial and summary judgment wins in high-stakes mass tort litigation in state and federal court. He has been recognized for his trial and case-ending Daubert wins by American Lawyer as a Litigator of the Week (“Covington Team Gets a Directed Verdict in First Trial Over Heavy Metals in Baby Food”) and Litigator of the Week Runner-Up (Onglyza Litigation Summary Judgment).

    David has particular expertise in handling cases with complex scientific, medical, and technological concepts. In addition to his trial experience, David has argued successful motions, examined expert witnesses at Daubert hearings, and drafted winning appellate briefs in mass tort cases. He leverages this litigation experience to advise clients regarding mass tort risks associated with new technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and connected and automated vehicles.

    David also maintains an active pro bono practice representing indigent clients in criminal proceedings and civil rights litigation. Finally, David co-leads Covington’s Black Lawyers Affinity Group.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters
    • Directed verdict win after first-of-its-kind product liability trial on behalf of baby food manufacturer.
    • Ended hundreds of cases through Daubert and Sargon wins in federal MDL and related state proceedings against product liability claims regarding a diabetes medication.
    • Two trial wins in product liability litigation involving a novel oral anticoagulant.
    • Represented pharmaceutical companies in commercial litigation including contractual disputes under licensing and purchase agreements.
    • Represented BP in civil litigation arising from the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Pro Bono

    • Won release after eight-year representation for Maryland "juvenile lifer" (detained at 15 years old and incarcerated for 45 years) through new statute, Juvenile Restoration Act.
    • Secured favorable settlement after co-leading two-year civil rights litigation in federal court on behalf of plaintiff who was wrongfully convicted and served over 34 years in prison in Section 1983 action against Orleans Parish District Attorney and City of New Orleans and members of its police department.
    • Won release for incarcerated criminal defendant through settlement agreement in Baltimore City Circuit Court based on landmark Unger decision by Maryland Supreme Court.
    • Represented several clients in serious felony cases (assault, attempted murder, and murder) in Maryland circuit courts.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • Columbia Law School, J.D., 2012
        • Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
        • Human Rights Law Review, Staff Editor
    • University of Amsterdam, LL.M., 2012
        • International Criminal Law
    • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 2009
        • with distinction
        • Robertson Scholar
    Bar Admissions
    • District of Columbia
    • Virginia
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
    Judicial Clerkship
    • Hon. James A. Wynn, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2013 - 2014
    • Hon. Richard W. Roberts, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, 2012 - 2013
    Accolades
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • Washington Lawyers Committee, Associate Trustee (2020-2021)
    Previous Experience
    • Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, Extern (2011)

    Areas of Expertise

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