Formerly with Squire Patton Boggs, Long-Daniels handles high-profile labor and employment and complex commercial litigation trials in courts across the U.S. He is the 17th partner to join the firm’s Atlanta office, which launched in January and now comprises nearly 40 lawyers.
“We are delighted to add a renowned trial lawyer to our talented team of private equity and finance lawyers in Atlanta,” said Julie Hardin, Reed Smith's Managing Partner—Americas. “David’s national trial practice adds to our full-service capabilities in the market and expands our client offering across the U.S.”
Long-Daniels has tried more than 90 jury trials, 20 bench trials and numerous arbitrations. He represents clients across the entertainment, hospitality and food and beverage industries in high-profile, complex trials, and he has represented luminaries such as Steven Tyler, Greg Allman and Cissy Houston. He also defends clients in cases under the Fair Labor Standard Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and whistleblower statutes.
“David is a leading national trial lawyer, with an impressive track record of employment and commercial litigation wins,” said Cindy Schmitt Minniti, chair of Reed Smith’s Global Labor & Employment Group. “David is often asked to parachute into bet-the-company litigation just weeks before a case is set for trial; he joins a group of Reed Smith lawyers well-known for that same skill set.”
Long-Daniels was attracted to Reed Smith because of the firm’s global platform and national reputation for trial work.
“I have always admired Reed Smith as a trial firm,” Long-Daniels said. “The opportunity to join a national employment practice with deep ties to the entertainment and hospitality industries aligns with my client focus. The firm has a phenomenal growth plan for Atlanta, and I am eager to contribute to the expansion of our employment practice and the Atlanta office.”
Long-Daniels served in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years. He received a B.S. from University of Alabama, an M.P.A. from Valdosta State University, and his J.D., cum laude, from Mercer University School of Law.
Long-Daniels is the latest addition to the firm’s Atlanta office, which opened with a top-tier private equity and M&A practice, a finance team, tech transactions capabilities, and executive compensation and benefits.