David S. Blackman

Associate
New York
About

David S. Blackman resolves complex international arbitration, and litigation matters for clients across a variety of industries and around the globe.

David has experience winning victories for clients in finance, insurance, energy, construction, life sciences and other sectors, before both institutional and ad hoc arbitral tribunals as well as domestic trial and appellate courts. He advises on all stages of disputes from inception to enforcement to craft creative advocacy and efficient strategies that successfully resolve complex, cross-border disputes.

David is also active as a member of the international arbitration community and in thought leadership.  He served as Secretary to the IBA Arbitration Committee Subcommittee on Rules and Guidelines in connection with the 2020 Revisions to the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration, and as a Secretary and Member of the Task Force of the Subcommittee in connection with the 2024 Revisions to the IBA Guidelines on Conflict of Interest in International Arbitration.  He also regularly writes and speaks on various topics in international arbitration and international law.

David earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School, where he was a James Kent Scholar and Executive Editor of the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law. 

Areas of FocusInternational ArbitrationBusiness and Commercial LitigationLitigation Arbitration and InvestigationsEnergy and Natural ResourcesInfrastructure Construction and TransportLife Sciences
Bar admissions New York
CourtsUnited States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

EXPERIENCE

  • Represented a renewable energy company in connection with an ICC arbitration seated in Mexico relating to a dispute over the construction and operation of large solar plants
  • Represented a subcontractor in SIAC arbitration seated in New York in connection with its successful nine-figure claims arising out of a terminated construction project
  • Represented a reinsurer in connection with its victory in ad hoc arbitration seated in Bermuda disputing coverage under excess of loss treaties for losses relating to the COVID 19 pandemic
  • Represented a supplier and operator of a wind farm in AAA/ICDR arbitration seated in the United States in connection with a dispute over alleged breaches of warranty
  • Represented a multinational life sciences company in ICC arbitration seated in Germany in connection with its successful defense of multi-billion dollar claims relating to a dispute over financial representations in an M&A transaction
  • Represented an international financial institution in connection with litigation relating to the sale of residential mortgage-backed securities prior to the 2007-2008 financial crisis
  • Represented an insurance company in connection with litigation involving coverage for alleged environmental contamination liabilities
  • Represented amicus curiae, pro bono, before the Supreme Court of the United States in connection with a question of the applicability of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act to the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.  The majority quoted favorably and relied on amicus in its reasoning
  • Represented an individual, pro bono, in a successful criminal appeal relating to the violation of search-and-seizure rights
Languages
  • English

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2023-2024
Education
  • B.A., Columbia College, Columbia University
    magna cum laude

Publications

  • “The State Enterprise as Investor:  A Special Threat Requiring Special Rules or Not?  The Case for Special Rules” in Investment Treaty Arbitration and International Law Vol. 16 (Juris 2023)
  • “The 2020 IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration:  A History and Discussion of the 2020 Revisions” in The Guide to Evidence in International Arbitration 24-43 with Joseph E. Neuhaus & Andrew J. Finn (2d Ed. 2023)
  • “A Sociology of Being Pro-Arbitration: A Look at Some Community Rituals Through the Pro-Arbitration Lens” in What Does it Mean to Be ‘Pro-Arbitration’?:  Reflections on George Bermann’s Legacy by Columbia Law School Students and Faculty Ch. 33 (Juris, 2023)
  • “United States Supreme Court Confirms Availability of Civil RICO as International Award Enforcement Tool: Do Recalcitrant Debtors Now Risk Treble Damages Awards in the United States?”, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (30 June 2023) “IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration: Key Features of the 2020 Revision” 14 (2) N.Y. Disp. Res. L. at 40 with Santiago Rodriguez Senior, Jesús Saracho Aguírre & Alice Williams (Sept. 2021)

Seminars

  • Tales from the Hearing Room: “What Would You Do?”, New York Arbitration Week 2023 Panel, Nov. 13, 2023
  • 16th Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference: Panel 3 – "The State Enterprise as Investor: A Special Threat Requiring Special Rules or Not?", Oct. 14, 2022

Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, David practiced in New York at a major international law firm, and a leading international arbitration boutique.

My latest insights

Publication
Abstract_Building_P_0084

Supreme Court simplifies personal jurisdiction requirements under the FSIA

11 June 2025 .5 minute read

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Connect

Phone

+1 212 335 4637
(Work, New York)