David M. Governo has over 35 years of experience counseling and representing corporations, insurance companies and individuals. He helps clients with a broad range of both business-related and litigation-related issues, including regulatory compliance, litigation management and trial strategy. His focus has been on highly technical, scientifically or medically complicated matters that require a creative, yet practical problem-solving approach. David has a national reputation as a leader in the fields of toxic torts, products liability and building-related legal issues including asbestos, lead, mold, insurance and indoor air quality.
David’s most recent (October 12, 2018) trial victory resulted in a defense verdict in favor of his client. This trial involved novel claims against two tobacco companies and David’s client, an automotive brake rebuilder, in which the plaintiff argued that the “synergy” between smoking and asbestos in the brakes caused a brake mechanic’s lung cancer and death. After a six-week, the jury returned a $43 million verdict for the plaintiff against one of the tobacco companies.
David has been actively involved in training other lawyers and educating insurance and corporate clients throughout his career. In 1992, he organized and chaired the first national litigation conference on lead poisoning. Since then, he has chaired eight national litigation conferences and has been invited to present papers at many conferences throughout the country on topics that include defending complex litigation, asbestos, lead, mold, indoor air quality, regulatory compliance and insurance coverage. David has attained Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating ("AV") and has been voted a Super Lawyer every year for over a decade. He has co-authored text books including Toxic Torts: Law and Science Manual and has published hundreds of articles, chapters and papers for legal and industry trade groups.
David's charitable work includes serving as a Trustee of the Windsor Club and as Chairman of the Board of Healthy Housing Solutions, a subsidiary of the National Center for Healthy Housing.
Honors & Awards
•Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating (“AV”) •Super Lawyer for 10+ years
Pro Bono Activities
•Serving as a Trustee of the Windsor Club •Chairman of the Board of Healthy Housing Solutions (Subsidiary of the National Center for Healthy Housing)
Litigation Percentage
•90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Published Works
•Co-authored text books including Toxic Torts: Law and Science Manual
