David R. Bear

David R. Bear is an associate in the firm’s Professional Liability Department.  He focuses his practice primarily on matters involving insurance coverage and employment law. He assists insurers with disputes pertaining to coverage and bad faith matters.

In particular, David defends property insurers throughout Florida in first party coverage matters regarding claims for windstorm, fire, mold, water loss, sinkhole and theft.

David’s work includes responding to civil remedy notices of insurer violations, pre-suit investigations and coverage evaluations, filing and defending against declaratory judgments, defending against breach of contract claims, and defending against bad faith litigation. David also defends businesses against allegations of improper employment practices

David also handles and has a great deal of experience defending hospitals and medical providers, including physicians and nurses, in matters involving medical malpractice and premises liability. David also pursues medical liens on behalf of insurance companies.

Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, David worked at a local firm where he defended hospitals, medical providers, pharmacists, and attorneys against malpractice claims. He also represented insurance companies in sinkhole and other property damage claims as well as businesses in premises liability and employment discrimination matters.

He also has experience in commercial litigation and white collar criminal defense. Before transitioning into the private sector, David spent three years as a prosecutor at the Office of the State Attorney in Orange and Osceola Counties. During this time, he conducted approximately 50 trials ranging from DUI to RICO and violent crimes.

David received his juris doctor from Florida State University. During law school, he worked for Governor Jeb Bush and now Senior Judge Anne C. Conway of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. David was also a member of the Law Review. Prior to law school, David obtained a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Bates College.

In 2017, David was appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) for the 18th Circuit of Florida. He and the JNC panel are responsible for investigating, interviewing and evaluating applicants for open circuit and county court judge seats. After their investigation, the panel recommends three to six applicants to the governor from which he makes a judicial appointment.

David is a member of the Florida Bar, Orange County Bar Association, George C. Young Central Florida American Inns of Court, Windstorm Insurance Network, and Central Florida Medical Malpractice Claims Council.

He is also active in the community, including serving as an instructor for the baptism program at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and having previously served as an instructor in The Church’s teen confirmation program.