David J. Williams
Experience
David "D.J." Williams is a partner of the firm practicing in the Litigation practice
group. D.J. represents clients in complex commercial litigation in both state and
federal courts with an emphasis in products liability and construction defect cases.
D.J.'s product liability cases focus on representing vehicle manufacturers, including
Nissan, Toyota, Kubota, and Mercedes Benz, in matters ranging from warranty claims
to complex product liability disputes. D.J. has also handled product cases involving
claims associated with herbicides, medical products/devices, ephedra and asbestos,
among others.
D.J.'s construction clients include general contractors, subcontractors, real estate
developers, and owners. While this practice focuses on litigation, D.J. also regularly
Partner
consults on Utah-specific contract drafting and construction lien issues.
D.J. is the Pro Bono Coordinator for Stoel Rives LLP and sits on various pro bono
boards including the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center.
Prior to joining Stoel Rives, D.J. was a Judicial Clerk (2002) for the Honorable Dee V.
Benson, District Court Chief Judge, District of Utah.
Representative Work
Blank v. Garff Enterprises, Inc.-D.J. represents Garff Enterprises and Mercedes Benz
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 578-6963 direct
(801) 578-6999 fax
dj.williams@stoel.com
Education

Young University, J.D., 2001, magna
in this complex vehicle products case involving a multi-vehicle accident.
cum laude
Order of the Coif
Adams v. USA-This agricultural "mass action" dealt with alleged herbicide damage to
Staff member, BYU Law Review
the crops of more than 100 plaintiffs in Idaho. D.J. joined the trial team representing
co-defendant DuPont Company. The case settled during a multi-day
J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham

Brigham Young University, B.A., 1998,
magna cum laude
mediation following completion of discovery and extensive motion practice.
Winzler v. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.- D.J. was Utah counsel for defendant Toyota
Admissions
in this alleged class action case. D.J. teamed with national counsel for Toyota in

Utah

U.S. District Court of Utah
obtaining a dismissal of the case, which was upheld by the 10th Circuit Court of
Appeals.
Snow v. Toyota Motor Corp.- D.J. was Utah counsel for defendant Toyota in this
Languages
complex product liability involving a multi-vehicle accident. This case settled at

mediation.
High Desert Contractors v. Salt Lake City Rail Constructors (SLCRC)- D.J. represented
SLCRC in a lawsuit regarding the construction of the TRAX line to the University of
Utah. After extensive discovery, a two-week arbitration resulted in a very favorable
outcome for SLCRC.
Spanish
David J. Williams
Kern River Gas Transmission v. Associated Pipeline Contractors- Millions of dollars in fees were at issue when D.J. represented Kern
River in a large lawsuit regarding the construction of a multi-state gas pipeline. Stoel Rives prevailed on summary judgment.
CenterCal Construction, Inc.- D.J. currently represents CenterCal Construction, a large-scale commercial developer with projects in
many states. Most recently, regarding CenterCal's development of Station Park (a commercial development in Farmington, UT), D.J.
has advised on Utah-specific construction laws, reviewed contracts, assisted in the negotiation of the construction contract with the
general contractor, and litigated numerous mechanic's liens case.
Six Continents Hotels v. Priskos- This case focused on the construction and management of a hotel in Ogden, UT. D.J. represented
Six Continents Hotels and the case settled on terms favorable to the client after extensive discovery and motion practice.
Gordon v. USA- D.J. currently represents Adrian Gordon, a wrongfully convicted prisoner in the Utah State Prison. D.J. seeks a new
trial for Mr. Gordon based on violations of Due Process in Mr. Gordon's criminal trial.
Professional Honors and Activities

Listed in Mountain States Super Lawyers® (PI - Products: Defense, Business Litigation, Construction Litigation: Business), 20122015

Listed among Rising Stars (Personal Injury), Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2009, 2011

Listed in the 2011 Utah Business "Legal Elite"

Member, Farmington City Board of Adjustment, 2005-present

Board Member, Utah Waterfowl Association, 2007-2009

Board Member, Rocky Mountain Innocence Center, 2009-present

Co-Chair, Modest Means Committee, Utah State Bar, 2014-present

Member, Third District Pro Bono Commission, Utah State Bar, 2012-2014
Presentations

"Product Liability 101 – Taking the 'Wreck' Out of Recreation," Stoel Rives and Outdoor Industries Association "Outdoor University"
Webinar, Aug. 2013
Publications

"Product Liability," The Law of Outdoor Industries, A Guide to Business and Legal Issues, July 2012

"Who Makes the Call? Sentencing the Firearm User Under 18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1) in U.S. v. Alborola-Rodriguez," BYU L. Rev., Sep.
2001