David Silke is a principal in the Seattle, Washington, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Known for his strategic and practical approach, he has secured dismissals and negotiated favorable resolutions for clients in courts and agencies across the country.
David’s employment law practice includes significant trials and class actions involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour matters, and civil rights claims. David shapes his legal strategies to align with clients’ long-term business goals. To that end, David also counsels and advises employers on preventative personnel policies, workplace privacy issues, employee handbooks, drug and alcohol policies, employment agreements, trade secret issues, and non-competition agreements.
David has also defended corporations, government entities and executives in complex matters involving breach of contract issues, professional liability disputes, and unfair trade practice claims.
Representative Experience
- Defense counsel for a company in lawsuit by a former employee alleging disability discrimination, wrongful termination, and intellectual property claims where plaintiff asked the jury to award him over $170 million in damages. David and the team obtained a complete defense verdict for the company in the jury trial in federal court in June 2025.
- Defense counsel for a company and its Directors & Officers in a lawsuit by the company’s founder alleging claims for breach of contract, unfair trade practices, and securities violations seeking millions of dollars in damages. David was able to successfully oppose the claims and obtain a very favorable outcome for the clients through strategic and complex negotiations.
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice of a race discrimination lawsuit filed against an international engineering and construction firm.
- Prevailed in a trial representing a specialty coffee retailer and wholesaler against claims of alleged discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, outrage, and wage claims, all of which were dismissed.
- Achieved a favorable resolution for an international airline, including significantly reducing the number of claimants in the class in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Successfully settled in mediation a class action lawsuit for alleged wage and hour violations filed on behalf of current and former store managers at a retailer and wholesaler.
Honors and Recognitions
- Washington Super Lawyers®, "Super Lawyers" (2011 - 2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America©, “Employment Law – Management” (2024-2025)
- Super Lawyers®, "Top 100 Washington Attorneys" (2015)
Speeches
- "Lessons from Evolving Use of Social Media," American Bankers Association Insurance Risk Management Forum (speaker)
- "The Impact of New Federal and Local Laws on Employers and Businesses" Seattle Employment Law Symposium (speaker)