David G. Cabrales

Of Counsel

David Cabrales is a renowned litigation lawyer with broad experience representing clients in environmental, state government, and commercial litigation matters. He frequently represents financial institutions, securities broker-dealers, retailers, and life and health insurance companies in traditional and complex litigation, as well as in arbitration proceedings. David routinely appears before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the State Office of Administrative Hearing, FINRA and AAA. David also counsels clients in matters before state government, and he provides representation to businesses in litigation matters initiated by state attorneys general.

David previously served as general counsel to Texas Gov. Rick Perry from 2007 to 2009 and, along with his legal team, provided advice to the governor and the governor’s staff on a variety of topics at the intersection of law and public policy. He also served as principal economic development advisor for the governor and helped administer the Texas Enterprise Fund, the Emerging Technology Fund, Texas One and other programs in the governor’s economic development portfolio. In addition, Gov. Perry appointed David to the Texas Economic Development Corporation in 2010 and in 2014, and David served as chairman from 2010 to 2012.

David is also a member of the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC), which is composed of leading Texas attorneys who screen and recommend to U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz nominees for vacancies on the federal bench and in U.S. attorney offices in Texas.

A graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, David began his legal career as a briefing attorney to Texas Supreme Court Justice Raul Gonzalez.

Awards and Recognition

  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Commercial Litigation (2013-2024)
  • Recognized, Top Latino Lawyers, Latino Leaders Magazine (2017)

Affiliations

  • Member, State Bar of Texas
  • Member, Dallas Bar Association – Securities Section, Chairman (2004)
  • Member, Dallas Hispanic Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • Board Member, United Way of Texas
  • Member, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation
  • Member, Salesmanship Club of Dallas
  • Member, Texas Economic Development Corporation (2014)
    • Chairman, Board of Directors (2009-2012)
  • Appointed to Texas Racing Commission by Gov. Rick Perry (2006-2007)
21 March 2024 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents DISA Global Solutions in Acquisition of CastleBranch Screening and Compliance Business

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to DISA Global Solutions, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, in its acquisition of the screening and compliance services of CastleBranch Inc.
30 November 2023 Article

Texas Enacts Ban on COVID-19 Vaccine Workplace Mandates: Six Things Health Care Employers Need to Know Now

On November 10, 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 7, enacting a ban on COVID-19 vaccine private workplace mandates.
17 August 2023 Honors and Awards

Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Best Lawyers in America

Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced today that 236 of the firm’s attorneys across 20 U.S. offices have received recognition in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
01 August 2023 In the News

Foley’s Austin Office and Government Solutions Practice Group Featured for Unique Strengths

Foley & Lardner LLP’s Austin office is featured in The Texas Lawbook article, “Foley’s Austin Office Is Hub for Firm’s Government, AG Practice,” highlighting the office’s Government Solutions and State Attorneys General practice groups, its adaptability in times of change over the last five years, and its plans for continued strategic growth.
26 May 2023 Article

Texas Legislature Passes Bill Creating Specialized Business Trial Courts: 12 Things You Need To Know Now

On May 25, 2023, the Texas Legislature passed HB 19, legislation that creates specialized business courts. The bill now will make its way to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
27 January 2023 Honors and Awards

Foley Named Top Three Lobby Shop in Texas by Capitol Inside

Foley & Lardner LLP is ranked third overall in Capitol Inside’s Texas Lobby Power Rankings.