David H. Simmons
Partner

Education
BS, Highest Distinction, Tennessee Technological University - 1974
JD, Vanderbilt University - 1977
Practice Areas
Civil Litigation (specializing in Complex Commercial Matters)

David was born in Nashville, Tennessee.  He graduated first in his class in mathematics from Tennessee Technological University and received his undergraduate degree with highest distinction, receiving the R. H. Moorman Scholarship and the Mathematics Award. While attending Vanderbilt University, he was the recipient of the William B. Marr Scholarship, served as an editor of the Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, and an editor of The Vanderbilt Moot Court Board.  He is a previous recipient of the Outstanding Young Men of America Award.

David is board certified by The Florida Bar both as a Civil Trial Lawyer and Business Litigation Attorney, and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Advocacy.  He holds the highest ranking an individual attorney can receive (AV), as designated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.  He is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits and the United States Supreme Court.

David practices in the areas of Civil Litigation, including complex commercial litigation.  He serves as litigation counsel for several large corporations, including Viad Corp, Paulucci International, Ltd., Seabulk International, Inc., and Luigino's, Inc.   David is actively involved in complex trial matters related to contract actions, personal injury, real estate development issues, and general business litigation.  He is known as one of Florida's premier trial attorneys.

In 2000, David was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, representing portions of Seminole and Orange Counties. He was re-elected to the Florida House in 2002 and 2004, and presently is Chairman of the Judiciary Committee; a member of the Justice Council; a member of the Committee on Education Appropriations; and a member of the Fiscal Council.

In addition to his legal and legislative experience, David remains very active in community matters, having served on U.S. Senator Connie Mack's Federal Judicial Advisory Commission, and as President and a Director of Lakeside Alternatives, Inc., a community mental health center in Orange County.  He has also published articles in The Florida Bar Journal and has been a frequent lecturer on legal topics.

Memberships and
Professional Organizations

The Florida Bar
Orange County Bar Association
American Bar Association
Florida Defense Lawyers Association
Past Chairman, Orlando Landmarks Defense Trust
Leadership Orlando, Class of 1991 - 1992
Leadership Central Florida Class Chairman, 1996 - 1997
U.S. Senator Connie Mack's Federal Judicial Advisory Commission (1989-1992)
Former Board of Directors and President, Lakeside Alternatives, Inc.
City of Orlando Citizens Review Committee
Master, American Inns of Court