David is a partner in the firm and works in these areas of the law on litigation and transactional matters.

Mr. Shivas is a partner with experience in a broad variety of practice areas. Mr. Shivas’s litigation practice is focused on business litigation involving disputes arising from contracts, employment, real estate, construction, corporate governance and consumer fraud. Through his 21 years of practicing at large firms prior to joining Bell, Shivas & Bell, P.C., Mr. Shivas has gained significant trial experience in state and federal courts in New Jersey and New York. Among the cases he has tried are personal injury cases and consumer fraud cases, probate matters involving wills and trusts, real estate and land use disputes, employment claims involving discrimination, complex commercial disputes relating to corporate governance and other business issues. He also has argued many appeals in the Appellate Division of New Jersey Superior Court.

Mr. Shivas represents construction clients in a wide array of matters from negotiating and drafting contracts and subcontracts for public and private jobs to litigating construction liens and other issues in the context of construction projects. He has successfully represented clients in complex multi-party construction cases involving claims for breach of contract, delay damages and professional negligence both in Court and in arbitration.

Mr. Shivas handles personal injury and medical malpractices cases. He has successfully resolved many cases involving  significant injuries as a result of negligence including auto accidents, slip and falls and medical negligence. He has represented clients who were injured as a result of negligence in nursing homes and hospitals.

Mr. Shivas works with small businesses and individuals in a variety of consumer fraud cases including home improvement contractor cases, deceptive sales practices and other violations of consumer fraud regulations. He regularly counsels small business clients on ways to avoid consumer fraud liability. Mr. Shivas has written articles and delivered seminars on the many issues facing small businesses under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

In his criminal defense practice, Mr. Shivas has represented clients in Federal prosecutions, including clients indicted for embezzlement, conspiracy, insider trading, and other financial crimes. Mr. Shivas also regularly defends clients in State and municipal courts for various criminal charges and offenses.

In corporate law matters, Mr. Shivas drafts contracts and employment agreements, assists clients in effectuating loans and other transfers and counsels clients as to setting up or modifying the legal structure of their businesses. He also represents clients in matters involving professional licensing and regulations, and filings for corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies.

Mr. Shivas has been selected to the list of Super Lawyers for several years.

Mr. Shivas, a lifelong resident of Morris County, is also active in his local community. While at Emory University School of Law, Mr. Shivas interned for the Honorable J.D. Smith of the Georgia Court of Appeals. He also worked as an intern at the legal department of Coca Cola, Inc. at corporate headquarters in Atlanta.

Mr. Shivas has been a coach of Rockaway Township Little League and youth football for the past 11 years. He has also coached the Morris Knolls Junior Eagles Wrestling program for more than 10 years.