David W. McDowell

David McDowell, shareholder in the Birmingham office, focuses his practice in tort litigation such as fraud, bad faith, product liability and personal injury/wrongful death cases, and advising clients in disputes involving insurance agreements.

Mr. McDowell has litigated cases in the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama’s Federal Courts, the Eastern District of Tennessee and almost all of Alabama’s counties. He has tried, arbitrated and litigated several multi-million dollar disputes. Mr. McDowell has tried approximately 50 cases to a verdict.

EDUCATION:

• Cumberland School of Law, J.D., 1995
• Washington & Lee University, B.A., 1989

ADMISSIONS:

• Alabama, 1995
• U.S. District Court for the Middle and Northern Districts of Alabama, and the Eleventh Circuit, 1995
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2006
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, 2007

Representative Matters:

• Successfully obtained a writ of mandamus compelling a trial court judge to enforce the terms of an outbound forum selection clause, resulting in the dismissal of a breach of contract and fraud lawsuit.
• Defended a life insurance company sued for breach of contract, fraud and bad faith following the denial of a claim. Ultimately received ruling of no liability for the insurer following initial judgment in client’s favor as a matter of law on the tort claims in the trial court, and obtained a reversal of an award of contract benefits on appeal.
• Following Hurricane Katrina, obtained summary judgment on behalf of property insurer against claims of breach of contract, fraud and bad faith claims resulting from insurer’s refusal to accede to motel owner’s demand for additional money and appraisal demand.
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of property insurer against breach of contract, fraud and bad faith claims following its denial of a water damage claim resulting from burst pipes at insured’s rental property.
• Defended an equipment manufacturer against a $30 million claim for fraud based on the equipment’s alleged failure to perform as represented, resulting in a jury verdict in favor of the defendant.

Professional Honors & Activities:

• Member – Vestry, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2001 – 2003
• Senior Warden – Vestry, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2003
• Chairman – Rector Search Committee, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2004 – 2006