David J. Metzler is the Managing Shareholder of the firm and serves as Chair of the Insurance Coverage and Litigation Practice Group. Mr. Metzler's practice is devoted to tort, commercial and insurance coverage issues. He also advises clients on insurance and entertainment law. Mr. Metzler also has significant experience in litigating real estate disputes.
Mr. Metzler is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, and Texas Association of Defense Counsel. In 2004, he was elected to the Advisory Council for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Dallas.
Mr. Metzler received his B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1987 and his J.D. degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1990. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990, and is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas.
Publications
All Saints Catholic Church v. United Nat'l Ins. Co., 257 S.W.3d 800 (Tex.App. -- Dallas 2008, no writ) (successfully defended property insurer in coverage dispute involving more than one cause of property damage).
Lincoln General Ins. Co. v. Aisha's Learning Center, 468 F.3d 857 (5th Cir. 2006) (represented general liability carrier in successful defense of coverage for a claim arising out of the use of an automobile).
American Home Assur. Co. v. United Space Alliance, LLC, 378 F.3d 482 (5th Cir. 2004) (represented primary and excess carrier at trial of claim for wrongful refusal to defend)
"Mold Claims: Claims Tips and Coverage Issues", Journal of Insurance Coverage (Winter 2002)
Southstar Corp. v. St. Paul Surplus Lines. Ins. Co., 42 S.W.3d 187 (Tex. App. -- Corpus Christi 2001, no pet.) (successful defense of insurer in "advertising injury" coverage and bad faith dispute)
St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Convalescent Services, Inc., 193 F.3d 340 (5th Cir. 1999) (represented insurer in decision limiting insurer's Stowers duty)
Gracida v. Tagle, 946 S.W.2d 504 (Tex. App. -- Corpus Christi 1997, orig. proceeding) (represented insurer, real party in interest)
Williams v. Land Title Co. of Dallas, 1997 LEXIS 2098 (Tex. App. -- Dallas 1997, no writ history) (represented Appellee)
St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. American Int'l Surplus Lines Ins. Co., 1997 LEXIS 4596 (N.D. Tex. 1997)
Mastering Real Estate Titles and Title Insurance in Texas, National Business Institute (March 1995) (Co-Author)
Collection Law in Texas ("Mortgages"), Lorman Education Services (April 1995) (Co-Author and Speaker)
Judiciary Report, TLTA News, Vol. 23, No.2 (Spring 1994) (Contributing Author)
Judiciary Report, TLTA News, Vol. 23, No.1 (Fall 1993) (Contributing Author)
Community
- Environmental and Health Commission, City of Dallas (2008-2010)
- School Advisory Board, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, 2004-2007 Term
- Chair, Policy Committee (2005-2007)
- Chair, Development Committee (2006-2007)
- Lake Highlands Soccer Association (2000-2003, 2005-2006
- Dallas Parochial League, Boys Basketball (2005-2009)
Education:
- J.D. Southern Methodist University School of Law, 1990
- B.A., University of Texas at Arlington, 1987
Admissions:
- State Bar of Texas, 1990
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
Memberships & Affiliations:
- Member, State Bar of Texas
- Member, Defense Research Institute
- Member, Dallas Bar Association
- Advisory Council, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School (2004-2007)
- Commissioner, City of Dallas Environmental Health Commission (2007-2011)
