David Abdullah is a veteran trial and litigation attorney in Leake & Andersson’s New Orleans office, where his practice has focused on representing companies and individuals in casualty, transportation, commercial and general civil litigation matters.  David earned his undergraduate degree in business economics from Florida A&M University and went on to receive a J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1999.

David is a versatile litigator, having practiced in a wide variety of legal areas over the course of his career.  After graduating from law school, David moved to Los Angeles and worked in the business affairs department of a small independent record label and the music department of a large Hollywood talent agency.  He returned to New Orleans and, in 2002, began his work as a prosecutor at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. David would go on to work as a prosecutor in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish for nearly a decade, gaining invaluable trial experience that continues to serve him in private practice.  After leaving the district attorney’s office, David began his career in the private sector at a local boutique law firm, specializing in toxic tort litigation.  From there, he co-founded a multi-state law firm, practicing in the areas of complex civil litigation, administrative law, personal injury, industrial accidents, pharmaceutical litigation, labor and employment, criminal defense, and civil rights litigation.  Immediately prior to joining Leake & Andersson, David maintained a successful solo practice in the areas of general civil litigation, commercial litigation, civil rights litigation and select criminal defense matters.

David has been an invited guest lecturer at the American Association for Justice’s annual convention, the Randolph Sheppard Vendor’s of Louisiana convention as well as Tulane University’s pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta.  He has also presented CLE lectures on criminal law, 42 U.S. Code Section 1983 claims and qualified immunity.

David is also active in the local community.  He is a founding board member of New Harmony High School and currently sits on the board of a community radio station.  He is a former contributing columnist to The Louisianan Weekly, a weekly news publication in New Orleans emphasizing topics of interest to the African American community.  David’s columns discussed legal issues particularly affecting marginalized communities.  David is also a former partner with Xavier University’s Student Life Department to reduce drunk driving among college students.  David continues to perform various community service projects through his organizational memberships, including annual school supply and backpack giveaways, the Charles R. Drew memorial blood drive and voter registration drives.