LAWYER PROFILE
David Axelrod

David Axelrod

USA 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP

Practice Areas

David Axelrod is a first-chair trial lawyer who specializes in defending corporations and individuals in government-facing litigation involving the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, and in defending parties sued for defamation. David has tried more than 20 federal court cases to judgment and has secured favorable jury and bench verdicts in high-profile trials under intense media and public scrutiny, and has extensive experience arguing cases on appeal. David has successfully designed and executed courtroom strategy in a wide range of cases, both civil and criminal.

David is the Practice Leader of the firm’s Securities Enforcement and Corporate Governance Litigation Group. He represents companies and individuals in securities-related disputes as well as in investigations and/or against charges by federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC, for alleged violations of securities laws. His clients have included investors, investment advisers, fund managers, broker-dealers, accounting officers, cryptocurrency issuers, banks, and corporate board special litigation committees. He defends organizations and white-collar professionals in cases alleging public corruption and violation of federal and state laws, including antitrust laws and the FCPA, as well as wire fraud and honest services fraud.

Career

Admissions: District of Columbia, New York, Pennsylvania

Personal

Harvard Law School (J.D. 2003)

Haverford College (B.A. 1999, high honors in Economics, Political Science)

Phi Beta Kappa

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - Pennsylvania

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
David Axelrod is a standout attorney who is noted for his experience as a federal prosecutor. He has notable expertise in securities matters, including representing clients in SEC investigations.

Litigation: Securities - Pennsylvania

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial
David Axelrod is noted for his expertise advising both companies and individuals facing external investigations and proceedings by organizations such as the SEC and DOJ. He is also noted for his civil litigation capabilities.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • David is an outstanding trial lawyer.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
  • David is one of the best trial lawyers in Philadelphia.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
  • David is a great lawyer who cares about his clients and works very hard on the full range of white-collar matters.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
  • David is a calm and competent trial lawyer with a nuanced feel for his jurisdiction.

    Litigation: SecuritiesChambers Guide to the USA
  • David has great trial skills and provides savvy advice.

    Litigation: SecuritiesChambers Guide to the USA
  • David is an immensely helpful lawyer.

    Litigation: SecuritiesChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Ballard Spahr LLP (189)

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Delaware

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