David Simmons’ litigation practice takes a responsive and competitive approach that is mindful of clients’ budgets and business goals. He frequently represents clients in franchise, trusts and estates and general civil and complex litigation, as well as antitrust, premises liability/personal injury, securities and class action matters.

Clients, including major financial and energy companies, turn to David for straightforward, realistic counsel on litigation strategy. He has significant experience representing trust companies and banks in state and federal court on the interpretation and construction of trusts, and he represents financial institutions and investment professionals in arbitrations through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

David also can assist with disputes that arise out of franchisor-franchisee relationships, including enforcing restrictive covenants and counseling clients regarding various franchise disclosure laws. He has defended major oil companies facing claims including unlawful motor fuel pricing practices under the Robinson-Patman Act and similar state laws, violations of the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, tortious interference, fraud and breach of contract. He has prosecuted and defended class actions in federal and state court, including on behalf of a large, multinational oil company.

In connection with his litigation practice, David counsels clients on electronic discovery in state and federal courts as well as in FINRA arbitrations. He handles large, complex electronic discovery projects in cases pending in state and federal courts.

    Education

    • Washington University School of Law (J.D., 2002)
    • University of Missouri - Columbia (B.A., 1998)
      • Philosophy

    Bar Admissions

    • Missouri
    • Illinois
    • Kansas
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
    • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas

    Professional Affiliations

    • The Missouri Bar
    • The Illinois Bar
    • The Kansas Bar Association
    • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

    Community Involvement

    • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (Fellow, 2019)
    • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Motion for Kids
    • Leadership St. Louis (Class of 2013-2014)
    • Land of Lincoln Legal Aid (Volunteer Lawyer)

    Awards & Honors

    • Named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Franchise Law (2025; 2026)
    • President's Award, BAMSL (2025)
    • Who's Who Diversity in Color (2015)
    • Professional Mentorship Award, Washington University Black Law Student Association (2012)

David J. Simmons

David Simmons’ litigation practice takes a responsive and competitive approach that is mindful of clients’ budgets and business goals. He frequently represents clients in franchise, trusts and estates and general civil and complex litigation, as well as antitrust, premises liability/personal injury, securities and class action matters.

Clients, including major financial and energy companies, turn to David for straightforward, realistic counsel on litigation strategy. He has significant experience representing trust companies and banks in state and federal court on the interpretation and construction of trusts, and he represents financial institutions and investment professionals in arbitrations through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

David also can assist with disputes that arise out of franchisor-franchisee relationships, including enforcing restrictive covenants and counseling clients regarding various franchise disclosure laws. He has defended major oil companies facing claims including unlawful motor fuel pricing practices under the Robinson-Patman Act and similar state laws, violations of the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, tortious interference, fraud and breach of contract. He has prosecuted and defended class actions in federal and state court, including on behalf of a large, multinational oil company.

In connection with his litigation practice, David counsels clients on electronic discovery in state and federal courts as well as in FINRA arbitrations. He handles large, complex electronic discovery projects in cases pending in state and federal courts.

David J. Simmons

David Simmons’ litigation practice takes a responsive and competitive approach that is mindful of clients’ budgets and business goals. He frequently represents clients in franchise, trusts and estates and general civil and complex litigation, as well as antitrust, premises liability/personal injury, securities and class action matters.

Clients, including major financial and energy companies, turn to David for straightforward, realistic counsel on litigation strategy. He has significant experience representing trust companies and banks in state and federal court on the interpretation and construction of trusts, and he represents financial institutions and investment professionals in arbitrations through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

David also can assist with disputes that arise out of franchisor-franchisee relationships, including enforcing restrictive covenants and counseling clients regarding various franchise disclosure laws. He has defended major oil companies facing claims including unlawful motor fuel pricing practices under the Robinson-Patman Act and similar state laws, violations of the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, tortious interference, fraud and breach of contract. He has prosecuted and defended class actions in federal and state court, including on behalf of a large, multinational oil company.

In connection with his litigation practice, David counsels clients on electronic discovery in state and federal courts as well as in FINRA arbitrations. He handles large, complex electronic discovery projects in cases pending in state and federal courts.