David E. Bernsen

David Bernsen was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Beaumont, Texas. He attended Lamar University on a baseball scholarship and graduated in 1973. He earned his law degree from St. Mary's University in 1976. Upon graduation from law school, he clerked for the Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Texas, Joe J. Fisher.

For the past 30 years, David has represented clients, citizens and constituents as a litigator, Texas State Senator, and Chairman of the Texas Department of Transportation.

David is an active advocate and trial attorney who has litigated cases across the United States in both state and federal courts. These cases include complex litigation concerning personal injury, products liability, property damage, insurance claims, industrial accidents, automobile and tractor/trailers (18 wheelers) accidents, racketeer influence & corrupt organization (RICO) litigation, bank fraud and conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duty, commercial litigation, civil rights/discrimination, general negligence and contract cases. David has received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. An AV Rating shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.

David has tried hundreds of cases to jury verdict for both Plaintiffs and Defendants. Having successfully tried cases on both sides of the docket allows David to provide insight into a particular case for the benefit of the client that is not enjoyed or possessed by many litigators. David's past service in the Texas State Senate also allows him to bring his knowledge and experience in the legislature to the courtrooms of the judicial branch of the government.

As a former State Senator, David authored landmark legislation with the passage of S.B. 1960 which established the first comprehensive plan for Coastal Erosion & Planning for the State of Texas. As a lifetime sportsman, he co-authored S.B. 708 to help monitor the bays and estuaries of Texas for future generations and he filibustered on the floor of the Senate to protect the water rights of farmers, ranchers and citizens of rural Texas.

Whether on the floor of the Texas Senate or in a courtroom, David believes, as the saying goes - to fight injustice, to punish wrongful conduct, to help a friend, or to defend an innocent or oppressed client - "You must stand with your friends if you can, or alone if necessary."

David both authored and co-authored numerous Senate Bills (SB), and sponsored/ co-sponsored many House Bills (HB). Among those Bills were the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS), amendment to the Clean Air Act, closing the "grandfather loophole" that allowed industrial sites to continue to emit smog-producing pollutants, insurance consumer protection and regulating telemarketing firms, regulating HMO's (Health Maintenance Organizations), increasing care for women with breast and cervical cancer, addressing nursing shortage, lower cost prescriptions for seniors and rural health care.

David and his wife, Dinah, live in Beaumont, Texas and attend Trinity Methodist Church.

Texas Association of Defense Counsel. Chairman of Texas Department of Transportation from 1993-1995. Commissioner of Texas Department of Transportation from 1995-1997.