Bio
David J. Tong has practiced law in the greater Tampa Bay area since 1984 and currently focuses his practice on bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, complex commercial
litigation, real estate litigation, and first-party property insurance litigation. A significant portion of David’s practice involves serving as an expert witness on attorneys’ fees in litigation. He has testified in court as an expert more than 100 times.
In addition, David handles appeals in both state and federal courts. His appellate work includes defending foreclosure judgments for lenders and litigating appeals involving the Truth In Lending Act, lien priority issues, and evidentiary matters arising from contested foreclosure trials. His appellate experience allows him to ensure that a complete and favorable record is established at trial for potential review.
Prior Experience
Before joining DarrowEverett, David represented lenders, governmental entities, and other creditors in complex litigation, bankruptcy, and real estate matters at law firms in Tampa. He litigated numerous cases involving commercial real estate, receiverships, and loan restructurings, including the prosecution and defense of title insurance claims.
Accolades
- AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating, since 2005
Practice Areas
Bar Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- Florida Supreme Court
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude
- University of Florida, B.S.,
Involvement
- The Florida Bar — Business Law Section, and Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association – past President (2005-06) and member of Board of Directors (2000-07)
Representative Matters
- Negotiated a favorable settlement for a major insurance carrier in a condominium association’s hurricane‑damage claim exceeding $5 million, including negotiating emergency‑repair and reconstruction costs and drafting all settlement and release documents.
- Secured a property tax charitable exemption for a major Florida charity’s multimillion dollar headquarters after it sustained severe hurricane damage and needed extensive repairs, overcoming the property appraiser’s non‑use denial through a contested Value Adjustment Board hearing.
- Negotiated a favorable settlement for a commercial office building’s owner against its property insurance company for hurricane damage to the building which had been underpaid by the carrier, resulting in a large settlement.
- Obtained the dismissal of a bankruptcy adversary proceeding against a major insurance company seeking millions of dollars of damages spread over numerous properties, on grounds of lack of bankruptcy court’s post-confirmation jurisdiction.
- Defended corporation and its current management team sued by Department of Labor for alleged ERISA violations in connection with the management of its pension plan, resulting in a favorable settlement for the company, in a case involving the former management’s misconduct in the administration of the pension plan.