David E. Heiss

Partner

Chicago, IL

He/Him

"I strive to help businesses end legal disputes as efficiently as possible so they can concentrate on their operations and not litigation."

312-704-3629

Email ZGhlaXNzQGhpbnNoYXdsYXcuY29t

David E. Heiss

Partner

Chicago, IL

He/Him

"I strive to help businesses end legal disputes as efficiently as possible so they can concentrate on their operations and not litigation."

312-704-3629

Email ZGhlaXNzQGhpbnNoYXdsYXcuY29t

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About Dave

For more than 25 years, Dave has represented insurers in complex coverage matters, defending clients in commercial, tort, insurance, reinsurance, and corporate litigation actions domestically and internationally. With significant experience in disputes exceeding $100 million, he provides strategic advice to insurers in bad faith cases across state and federal jurisdictions, having successfully tried numerous cases to verdict.

In addition, Dave counsels insurers on first-party commercial disputes, extended coverages, agent and broker liability, equipment breakdown coverage, builder's risk coverage, and bad faith. He has served as an arbitrator and appraiser in complex loss disputes and advises private-sector companies on legal matters, including insurance procurement, regulatory issues, and risk management.

Dave recently represented a family-owned business in a non-competition dispute with a Fortune 100 retail company, helping them prevail and avoid bankruptcy. He took pride in supporting the family business, ensuring it survived and was not overpowered by the opponent’s superior resources.

Areas of Focus

Industries:

- Insurance;
- Professional Services

Services:

Experience

Obtained summary judgment in favor of a large market of domestic and international insurers in a $90 million first-party coverage dispute.
Overturned the largest verdict in Tennessee history ($204 million) and obtained judgment as a matter of law in the Tennessee Court of Appeals regarding a High-Hazard Flood Zone Sub-limit issue which the Tennessee Supreme Court ultimately affirmed.
Successfully obtained a defense verdict in favor of the insurer against its policyholder in an arson and fraud case.
Resolved an issue of first impression in Illinois concerning architect liability for implied warranties of inhabitability in favor of his client, which the Illinois Supreme Court ultimately affirmed.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of an insurer in a Texas case involving a first impression issue: whether a scrivener’s error in the manuscript form eliminated the direct physical loss or damage requirement for Time Element Coverage.
Obtained summary judgment in a multi-million dollar non-competition dispute, exonerating Hinshaw's client and avoiding a judgment that would have bankrupted the company.

Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America®, Insurance Law, 2025 – 2026; Litigation – Insurance, 2026
Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2008 – 2010

Credentials

Education

University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School), JD, 1997
DePauw University, BA, 1993

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Court Admissions

US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar
US District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Thought Leadership

Presentations

Dave speaks on the subject of property insurance coverage on multiple occasions. He has addressed coverage and bad faith issues arising from catastrophic events impacting the insurance industry, including the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Panelist, "COVID-19 Claims," Hinshaw's Webinar Series: Insurance Insights – What Insurers Need to Know in 2021, Virtual Event, April 22, 2021

Press Releases

Webinar

Webinar Series: Insurance Insights – What Insurers Need to Know in 2021, Apr 29, 2021

Interests

Did you know...

In his free time, Dave enjoys Civil War history and playing with his dogs Billy and Mackey. However, nothing keeps him from watching his son play football for Drake University. Go Bulldogs!

Community/Civic Activities

Arlington Heights Youth Athletic Association, Vice President; Arlington Cowboys, Football Coach; Arlington Cardinals, Baseball Coach
Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Finance Council