David Steele counsels companies on litigation matters across a range of industries in both state and federal court and other adjudicative bodies.
David represents natural gas and electric utilities and energy companies in regulatory and litigated proceedings before state and federal utility commissions, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), as well as state and federal court. His practice includes commission rate proceedings, enforcement actions, investigations, the closure of generating facilities, other pipeline and energy-related litigation, energy transactions, and various state and federal regulatory issues. He also represents other regulated companies before state commissions such as solid waste and transportation companies.
Additionally, David represents clients in business litigation disputes, including real property, breach of contract, unfair competition, antitrust, intellectual property (IP), environmental, and probate. He has successfully represented clients in all stages of litigation.
David is active in the community and maintains a robust pro bono practice, focusing primarily on constitutional rights and immigration. He was a member of the Perkins Coie Wilbur v. City of Mt. Vernon litigation team that successfully challenged the public defender systems in two Washington cities for the failure to provide effective assistance of counsel to indigent defendants.
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Thomson Reuters “Stand-out Lawyers,” 2024
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation, 2024
- Washington Defender Association, President's Award for the Wilbur v. City of Mt. Vernon indigent rights to counsel class action litigation, 2014
- Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Champion for Justice Award for the Wilbur v. City of Mt. Vernon indigent rights to counsel class action litigation, 2014
- Perkins Coie Annual Pro Bono Leadership Award for the Wilbur v. City of Mt. Vernon indigent rights to counsel class action litigation, 2013
Related Employment
- Duke Environmental Law & Policy Clinic, Durham, NC, Student Attorney, 2011
- Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, WA, Summer Associate, 2011; Legal Extern, 2007
- Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson PC, Charlotte, NC, Summer Associate, 2011
- North Carolina Conservation Network, Raleigh, NC, Legal Extern, 2011
- Centre County Court of Common Pleas, Hon. Thomas King Kistler, Bellefonte, PA, Law Clerk, 2010