Atty. David Patrick Elder
David Elder is a partner in the Corporate Department at Paul Hastings and is based in the Firm’s Houston office. Mr.
Corporate Law & More Attorney · Serving Houston, TX
Profile Summary
About David Patrick Elder at a Glance
David Patrick Elder is a business and energy attorney based in Houston, Texas, practicing at Paul Hastings LLP. Educated at The University of Texas (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Oil and Gas Law (2026). Serves clients in Houston, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David Patrick Elder
- David Elder is a partner in the Corporate Department at Paul Hastings and is based in the Firm’s Houston office
- Mr. Elder focuses on mergers and acquisitions, public and private securities offerings, corporate governance and general corporate securities matters
- He represents major corporate clients across the energy, oil and gas, sports and entertainment, and telecommunications sectors
- He also advises issuers, underwriters and investment banking firms in public and private offerings
- Along with various other mergers, acquisitions and capital markets transactions, David has represented a major international oil and gas company in a $2.5 billion tender offer and merger proposal, and counseled a major energy company in its negotiation of the largest naming rights transaction of its kind
Practice Areas Explained
David Patrick Elder's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David Patrick Elder handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Houston.
Business & Corporate Law in Houston
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
David Patrick Elder is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Texas →
Energy & Utilities Law in Houston
Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.
David Patrick Elder is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Houston
Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Houston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Houston Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Houston-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Houston or all attorneys in Texas.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Houston Choose David Patrick Elder
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David Patrick Elder's practice in the field of business and energy.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business and energy, David Patrick Elder can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Houston
A Houston-based practice means David Patrick Elder attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David Patrick Elder Handles in Houston
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David Patrick Elder has experience with under Texas law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David Patrick Elder directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find David Patrick Elder Online
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David Patrick Elder's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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