David McNeal is a multi-talented, laser-focused trial lawyer who employs militaresque strategic precision planning with every case. His Congressional nomination to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and subsequent service to our country prepared him to handle litigation at the highest level. David’s practice focuses heavily on transportation-related injuries and deaths, including offshore and maritime injuries, automobile accidents, and 18-wheeler collisions. His background in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation provides insight that few attorneys possess.
Raised in a military family, David spent a decade living in the Philippines and Germany before moving to San Antonio, Texas at age twelve. After high school, he attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he played collegiate football and distinguished himself as both a leader and athlete. During his tenure, he served as 1st Battalion Commander, set academy rushing and scoring records, earned NCAA 1st Team All-American honors as a running back, and was later inducted into the Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
Upon graduating in 2004, David took his oath as an Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves and earned a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner license. He later transferred into the United States Marine Corps in 2008. In addition to his military service, David worked aboard the Staten Island Ferry in New York City, Offshore Supply Vessels, and Ultra Deepwater Semi-Submersible drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. While working as a mariner, he was responsible for inspecting safety equipment and maintaining compliance with regulatory safety standards. These experiences provided him with firsthand knowledge of the dangers present in offshore environments and a deep understanding of the physical and emotional toll maritime work places on workers and their families.
David later attended Tulane University Law School, home to one of the nation’s premier Maritime Law programs, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2011. While at Tulane, he received Honors in Trial Advocacy, an accolade reserved for the top 10% of the class, earned a Certificate of Specialization in Maritime Law, served in the Juvenile Law Clinic, and worked as Legal Officer for the 4th Marine Logistics Group and 4th Marine Division.
David’s industry exposure and legal background allow him to effectively represent clients in cases involving plant explosions, workplace injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His combination of maritime education, military discipline, and practical offshore experience gives him a unique advantage in transportation and maritime litigation.
Professionally, David serves as Plaintiff Vice Chair of the Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee within the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association and was selected for the TIPS Leadership Academy for 2021–2022. He is also a former officer of the Board of Directors for the Houston Maritime Arbitrators’ Association, has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Attorney from 2018–2020, and serves as General Counsel to the Harris County Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports.
Education: Tulane University Law School — J.D., 2011; Trial Advocacy Honors; Maritime Law Certificate of Specialization. United States Merchant Marine Academy — B.S., 2004; Major in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation.
Admissions: Texas Bar, 2015.
Professional Associations: American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS); Houston Trial Lawyers Association; Texas Trial Lawyers Association; USMMA Houston Alumni Chapter, Vice President.
