David R. Adgate

Litigation Attorney

David is a partner and member of Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team. His practice focuses on civil litigation involving Michigan No Fault claims, auto-related disputes, premises liability, wrongful death, and other negligence matters. He brings a practical, case-driven approach to matters involving contested issues of liability, causation, coverage, and damages.

Across his practice, David handles matters from initial case assessment through discovery, motion practice, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation. He develops litigation strategy, conducts depositions of medical professionals, corporate representatives, insurance adjusters, law enforcement officers, expert witnesses, and fact witnesses, and positions matters for resolution or trial.

Prior to joining Varnum, David practiced with litigation firms in Southfield, where he managed a substantial docket of Michigan No Fault and negligence matters. His earlier experience includes work with the Federal Defender Office in Detroit, the Wayne State University Civil Rights Clinic, and the Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender.

David earned his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, where he received the Board of Governors Scholarship, Public Interest Fellowship, and Student Voluntary Pro Bono Award, and was a member of the National Trial Advocacy Team. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Personal Injury Litigation, 2026
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Product Liability Litigation, 2026
Michigan Super Lawyers^®, Rising Star, 2026

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association
Michigan Bar Association
National Trial Lawyers