David Drez represents clients in Texas and across the United States in a broad range of commercial disputes, with particular experience in several significant oil and gas cases. A seasoned trial lawyer, he counsels clients in matters involving royalty disputes, breach of contract, non-compete agreements, fraud, and bankruptcy-related litigation. His experience extends through all phases of litigation at the trial and appellate levels and in industries including energy, real estate, transportation, and construction. David has argued a number of appeals in Texas intermediate appellate courts as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Texas Supreme Court.

David has earned the respect of his clients and opponents alike for being a dedicated problem solver and determining the best course of action while obtaining the best possible result for his clients. Both straightforward and respectful, David provides honest advice on legal options in the context of a specific dispute. He has built long-term relationships of trust with his clients, balancing overall business goals with strategies for successfully litigating a particular case.

Before joining Wick Phillips, David spent 11 years at a large, Texas-based international law firm, where he was a partner in the firm’s Fort Worth office. Immediately following law school, David served as a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable James T. Trimble, Jr., United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Louisiana.

  • The Best Lawyers in America© - Commercial Litigation, Litigation–Construction,
    Oil and Gas Law (2020-2025)
  • Top Attorney - Commercial Litigation, 360 West Magazine (2017, 2024)
  • Texas Super Lawyers (2013-2023)
  • Top Attorney, Fort Worth Magazine (2019-2023)
  • Texas' Best Lawyers® (2020)
  • Top 100 Super Lawyers, DFW (2019)
  • The 400 Fort Worth's Most Influential People, Fort Worth INC. (2018)
  • Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine (2018)
  • Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press (2015)
  • Lead counsel and argued three cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, including Seeligson v. Devon Energy Production Co., LP, 761 Fed.Appx. 329 (5th Cir. 2019) a royalty owner class action where the court largely affirmed the district court’s core oil and gas findings and the case was ultimately certified after remand (see 804 Fed.Appx. 304, (5th Cir. 2020))
  • Argued numerous other cases to intermediate Texas appellate courts, including one of two reported cases in Texas state courts concerning advancement of attorney’s fees for an officer/director being sued by the company. L Series, LLC v. Holt, 571 S.W.3d 864 (Tex. App. Fort Worth 2019)
  • Represented large international construction firm in successful one-week arbitration in arising out of cement plant project (September 2018)
  • Federal jury verdict of more than $33 million in breach of contract and tortious interference case, later reduced in favor of equitable relief and case settled following appeal (July 2018)
  • Lead trial and appellate counsel representing royalty owners in 2012 suit against Chesapeake Energy Corporation regarding improper calculation and payment of royalties under an oil and gas lease. Obtained judgment for damages and attorney’s fees for more than $1 million. Later argued case before Texas Supreme Court, where the case ultimately resulted in a significant win for royalty owners in Texas Chesapeake v. Hyder, 483 S.W.3d 870 (Tex. 2016)
  • Resolution of claims for liquidating trust of a bankrupt oil and gas company against the former CEO
  • Lead trial counsel in bankruptcy trial in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, successfully defeated $8 million claim against the Debtor’s estate related to its facility that manufactured fire and emergency vehicles. American LaFrance, LLC v. RT Jedburg Commerce Park, LLC, No. 08-10178 (BLS), Adversary No. 10-51245, United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Del., aff’d Civ. No. 11-1273-RGA (U.S. District Court, D. Del. (2012))
  • Lead trial counsel in federal fraud trial concerning the sale of fiber optic products. Obtained jury verdict of approximately $12.5 million. Kevin M. Ehringer Enterprises, Inc. v. McData Services Corporation, No. 3:06-CV-812-L, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas; rev’d at 646 F.3d 321 (2011)
  • Lead defense counsel representing oil and gas company in multiple suits arising out of wildfires that occurred in the Texas Panhandle in 2006. More than twelve separate cases were filed in six different counties with over 100 separate plaintiffs. In re Cano Petroleum Wildfire Litigation, No. 07-0593 (Tex. MDL 2008)