Dave Wishnew

Founding Partner

Dave Wishnew is a trial lawyer and business adviser with a broad practice spanning complex commercial, employment and intellectual property disputes. He represents clients in state and federal courts, arbitration, and administrative proceedings throughout Texas and across the United States. His clients range from start-ups and family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies, as well as high-profile individuals including professional athletes, executives, doctors and lawyers. He also advises clients in industries such as venture capital and private equity, telecommunications, marketing and multimedia, staffing and executive placement, hospitality, and food and beverage.

Dave is widely recognised for his role in securing a substantial jury verdict in a high-profile defamation case on behalf of wedding photographer Andrea Polito, in which the defendants were found liable for defamation, disparagement and civil conspiracy following an extensive online campaign. The case drew national attention and was reported by major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CBS News, CNN, People Magazine and U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to his litigation practice, Dave serves as outside general counsel to several companies. He frequently advises on employment contracts, severance negotiations, large commercial and distribution agreements, and regulatory compliance matters. He is also a contributing author to the Texas Litigators’ Guide to Departing Employee Cases.

Known for his strategic judgement and direct advocacy style, Dave works to resolve disputes efficiently where possible, while being fully prepared to take matters to trial when necessary. Clients turn to him for high-stakes matters where commercial objectives and reputational considerations are critical.

• State Bar of Texas, 2008
• U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• Member, American Bar Association
• Dallas Bar Association
  • Entertainment Committee: Chair, 2014, 2015
  • CLE Committee: Vice Chair, 2015; Chair, 2016
  • Dallas Bar Foundation: Fellow
• Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
  • Fellow, DAYL Foundation
  • Breakfast with Business Peers Committee, Co-Chair, 2016
  • DAYL Leadership Class, 2010
• Texas Bar Foundation
  • Nominating Committee, 2015
  • Texas Young Lawyers Association Leadership Dallas, 2010
• Texas Exes
• Rhodes Alumni Chapter of North Texas
• Young Professionals – Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Mentor, University of North Texas College of Law
• A. Bedford Mentorship Program: 2015, 2016
• William ‘Mac’ Taylor American Inn of Court Barrister

The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., with honors, 2008

Rhodes College, B.A., Economics and Business Administration, cum laude, 2001