David Leit

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David Leit is a technology and intellectual property lawyer. With an unusual "hybrid" practice advising clients on both transactions and litigation, David brings a unique perspective to IP and technology issues. In litigated matters, his transactional experience gives him insight into how a dispute can arise, allowing him to efficiently focus on where key evidence is likely to be found. In transactions, his knowledge of how a deal may turn into a dispute helps him focus on the details most likely to truly matter over time under a range of conditions.

An IP and technology law veteran, David knows well that the law consistently lags behind the latest technological innovations. He helps his clients anticipate the challenges they may face with cutting-edge issues, such as how to protect intellectual property that can be easily duplicated and distributed digitally; managing and using data in light of emerging and changing data privacy standards; protecting geographically limited trademarks in an increasingly global commercial marketplace; and dealing with the legal challenges of "big data." On these legal frontiers, David helps his clients make informed judgments and manage risk in an uncertain environment.

David enjoys working closely with his clients. He immerses himself in their businesses, gaining a deep understanding of how the legal issues fit into overall business objectives. This leads to a highly pragmatic approach to advising clients. David believes in being cost-effective: he balances risk and reward in a manner that is sensible for each issue, for each client, and in each context. While "leaving no stone unturned" can be appropriate in some circumstances, David knows that exhaustive efforts to nail down inherently uncertain risks can lead to "paralysis by analysis."

David also maintains an active pro bono docket. In addition to advising non-profits and artistic organizations on intellectual property matters, his work focuses on social justice issues. He has briefed partisan gerrymandering cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, and represented a group of New Jersey- based corporations in support of DACA, emphasizing the imminent harm to the New Jersey economy if workers and families in the United States were no longer authorized to work.

Outside the office, David is heavily involved in community and civic organizations. He is a Trustee and Vice President of Finance for Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, where he formerly chaired the Religious School Board and served as Vice President of Education. He chairs Federal Government Relations for the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ, where he formerly chaired the Pluralism and Shard Society Committees and served on the Board of Trustees. From 2015-2017, he was a Wexner Heritage Foundation Scholar. He is a National Finance Chair of the Booker Victory Fund, and a co-chair of the Jewish Pluralism Legal Action Network. He has coached over 10 seasons of youth recreational and travel softball and baseball teams, and formerly chaired the Rules Committee for South Orange-Maplewood Baseball.

When not advising clients and pursuing his many civic interests, David can often be found training for triathlons, running races, and swim meets.