David Lassen is a seasoned litigator with more than two decades of experience defending manufacturers in complex product liability and commercial litigation in courts and arbitrations around the world. Dave’s practice spans aviation, aerospace, and industrial products — industries where the stakes are high and the technical demands are significant. Dave’s clients rely on him not just as a litigator, but as a trusted advisor who understands their business from the inside out.
Before joining McGuireWoods, Dave served as senior counsel at one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, where he defended the company and managed a worldwide docket of product liability matters. That experience gives him a deep understanding of how business leaders think about mitigating the risks companies face. Before his in-house role, Dave spent many years as a litigator at AmLaw 100 firms.
Dave provides full-service litigation support from case inception through resolution. He develops and drives case strategies, supervises counsel across all phases of discovery, manages pretrial and trial preparation, and liaises with risk management and insurers. Dave applies his rare combination of private practice and in-house experience to every matter he handles.
Product Liability
- Defense of commercial aircraft manufacturer in litigation arising from commercial aviation accidents. Successful outcomes include dismissals based on the statute of limitations and the doctrine of forum non conveniens.*
- Defense of commercial aircraft manufacturer in litigation concerning alleged chemical exposure associated with the aircraft cabin air supply.*
- Obtained defense verdict in favor of leading defense contractor in litigation arising from military aircraft refueling accident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.*
- Obtained summary judgment on the basis of the governing contractor defense on behalf of military rotorcraft manufacturer in multiple matters.*
- Defense of transit bus manufacturer in litigation arising from accident involving catastrophic spinal injury.*
- Representation of a large U.S.-based manufacturer of residential and commercial ventilation products in the defense of product liability claims.*
Arbitration
- Represented a satellite manufacturer in a series of international arbitrations arising from alleged breaches of contracts where claimed damaged totaled more than $750 million.*
* The above matters were handled by Mr. Lassen prior to joining McGuireWoods LLP.