David Schaffer has been with Malaby since just after the firm’s inception in early 1999. For over 36 years, he has litigated complex product liability, toxic tort, negligence, general liability and construction defect cases, representing a wide variety of defendants, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, premises owners, contractors and employers, and has acted as lead questioner at hundreds of depositions. David has been appointed defense liaison counsel in various cases and jurisdictions throughout New York State, and closely interacts with a wide variety of clients and insurance carriers in shaping the defense of numerous corporations and individuals.
David's career-long belief is that a client’s interests come first, regardless of circumstances. The depth of his experience allows him to find the most efficient solutions in prioritizing those interests.
Experienced in all aspects of defense litigation, including trial and appeal, David also heads Malaby's associate training program, which is designed to prepare the firm’s attorneys to conduct efficient and productive depositions, as well as all other aspects of litigation, and proper client reporting . He has presented workshops to the entire NYCAL defense bar regarding deposition strategy and technique.
Prior to joining Malaby, David litigated for Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker; as in-house counsel for the Environmental Claims/Toxic Tort group at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company/Allianz; and for CIGNA Insurance Company.
Membership
- New York State Bar Association
Boards and Committees
- David has been an active member of his undergraduate The University at Albany alma mater’s Alumni Association for over 30 years, having served in positions of leadership for most of that time, including on its Board of Directors.
- David previously served for 20 years as a senior director of a non-for-profit organization which manages over 1000 acres of a wilderness retreat facility in the Adirondack Mountains.
- David previously volunteered as counsel to a wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league team.