David Reynolds focuses his practice on complex fiduciary litigation involving trusts, estates, and probate disputes throughout Texas and nationwide. He represents trustees, executors, beneficiaries, and other interested parties in high-stakes litigation involving breaches of fiduciary duty, will and trust contests, trustee and executor removal, estate mismanagement, fraud, and disputes over the administration and distribution of trusts and estates.
David takes an aggressive, proactive approach to litigation, developing strategies designed to win rather than simply manage disputes. With extensive courtroom experience, he understands the legal, financial, and personal interests at stake in fiduciary litigation, particularly when substantial assets and complicated family relationships intersect. Whether defending fiduciaries against allegations of misconduct or pursuing claims on behalf of beneficiaries, David approaches each case with a clear strategy, thorough preparation, and a relentless focus on achieving his clients’ objectives.
David also represents business owners, shareholders, and members of closely held companies in fiduciary and commercial disputes involving ownership, management, business separations, and contractual obligations. His experience with family-owned businesses and closely held entities provides valuable insight into disputes involving inherited business interests and competing claims to family assets.
Beyond litigation, David advises trustees and independent executors on fiduciary obligations, trust and estate administration, and strategies to prevent or resolve disputes before they escalate. He also serves as outside general counsel to family offices and businesses, providing practical guidance on legal matters involving their operations, assets, and long-term interests.
Representative Experience
- Secured a complete defense verdict at trial on behalf of trustees of a substantial family trust against beneficiaries seeking $20 million in damages for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
- Overturned on appeal a trial court order removing an independent executor without notice and subsequently negotiated a comprehensive settlement preserving the client's appointment and authority to administer the estate.
- Secured a $4.3 million plaintiffs’ verdict in Delaware Superior Court on behalf of multiple trusts in a breach of contract action.
- Defeated an application for a temporary restraining order in federal court and secured dismissal of the underlying claims in a dispute between members of a closely held business in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
- Obtained a temporary restraining order on behalf of a trustee to protect an elderly individual from financial exploitation and abuse by non-family members.
- Defeated an application for a temporary restraining order brought by a beneficiary alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and seeking to prevent an executor from administering their father's estate.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a trust as plaintiff in arbitration, prevailing on claims exceeding $1 million arising from a decedent's former business interests.
- Secured dismissal of breach of fiduciary duty claims in Delaware Chancery Court on behalf of trustees.
- Represented a plaintiff general contractor in a week-long jury trial, securing a verdict establishing 100% liability against the defendant and obtaining full damages on behalf of client.
- Represented a plaintiff software company in a week-long jury trial in Dallas County, achieving a favorable settlement prior to verdict.
- Obtained multiple pre-suit discovery orders under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 202 to investigate potential breaches of fiduciary duty by executors and misconduct by business competitors.
- Obtained judgment on behalf of plaintiff creditor against a borrower and guarantors in litigation to enforce a promissory note arising from a family financial transaction.
- Secured a significant award of attorney’s fees at trial while serving as an expert witness on behalf of trustees.