Javon R. David

Javon delivers results-driven counsel tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, including helping them navigate shareholder and partnership conflicts, franchise litigation, non-competition and trade secret issues, and complex contract disputes. Javon's dedication to her clients is evident in her ability to resolve challenges efficiently, while providing clear communication, practical advice, and committed representation that empowers clients to achieve favorable outcomes.

Commercial Litigation

Javon represents businesses in high-impact disputes across a broad spectrum of sectors. Her commercial litigation practice encompasses contract and business tort litigation, shareholder and partnership oppression claims, non-competition and trade secret matters, and real estate and construction disputes. An example of Javon’s skill in this area includes prevailing in the defense of a trustee in a complicated shareholder oppression case where $13 million in damages was sought. The matter was resolved with $0 recovery for plaintiffs and a $750,000 award on the client’s counterclaims. Javon is also experienced in handling complex automotive supplier and manufacturing issues, offering comprehensive legal counsel that addresses the unique challenges faced by her clients in these sectors.

Beyond her practice, Javon dedicates her legal and business savvy to serving in leadership positions for several organizations. She is a member of the Business Court and Counsel Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA). Javon also serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Association (MDTC), where she previously served as Trial Practice Co-Chair. She is a member of Leadership Oakland.

Media and First Amendment Law

Javon defends media organizations and content creators in defamation and First Amendment litigation. She has achieved successful results on behalf of clients including obtaining the dismissal of a multi-million-dollar defamation lawsuit against a national online media organization and defeating a $10 million defamation action against a major national news network through dismissal, among others.

As Deputy General Counsel to the Michigan Press Association (MPA), Javon advises clients on prepublication review, newsgathering practices, and open-government compliance, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Sunshine Law issues. She also provides counsel on content clearance and advertising review. Additionally, Javon serves on the Litigation, Insurance, and Advertising/Commercial Speech Committees of the Media Law Resource Center (MLRC).

Product Liability and Automotive Supplier Disputes

Leveraging her extensive experience in this area, Javon defends manufacturers and suppliers in complex product liability and quality disputes, including automotive litigation and toxic tort class actions. She has successfully handled numerous complex cases throughout her career, including resolving a $20 million dispute over an asset purchase agreement between automotive suppliers. In representation of national manufacturing clients, Javon’s capabilities include facilitating rapid cooperation agreements enforcing restrictive covenants and protecting proprietary information. These matters serve as representative examples of the sophisticated, results-oriented advocacy Javon delivers for clients facing complex commercial and contractual challenges.

Javon has served on the Board of Governors of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association’s Emerging Leadership Council.

Javon David is a Shareholder practicing in Butzel’s Troy office. She earned her juris doctor, with honors, from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While in law school, she earned numerous honors including induction to the Order of Barristers National Honor Society for excellence in legal writing and oral advocacy, among many others. Javon received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan–Dearborn, with concentrations in history, political science, and psychology, where she received the Distinguished Student Leader Award and other prestigious recognitions.

All Related Practice Areas

Education

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, J.D., with Honors 

University of Michigan – Dearborn, magna cum laude

Admissions

Memberships

• State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section
• International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association (IALDA)
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
• American Bar Association
• Oakland County Bar Association, Certified Mediator
• Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Association
• Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
• Chaldean American Bar Association
• Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

Awards & Recognitions

Crain's Detroit Business - Notable Women in Law - 2026 

Best Lawyers in America® - Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024

Michigan Lawyers Weekly - Go to Lawyers - Business Litigation, 2025

Michigan Lawyers Weekly - Influential Women of the Law, 2023

Oakland County's Elite 40 under 40 - Class of 2023

Michigan Super Lawyers - Rising Stars, Business Litigation, 2017-2026

Michigan Super Lawyers - Top Women Lawyers, 2017-2023

Community & Professional

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law - Editor of Law Review; Executive Director of Moot Court Board of Advocates; Faculty Research Assistant; Order of Barristers National Honor Society for excellence in legal writing and oral advocacy; Book Awards for the highest grade in International Law, Workers’ Compensation Law, Business Franchising Law; Dean’s Honor Society; Presidential Scholar for academic achievement and leadership

University of Michigan – Dearborn - Distinguished Student Leader Award; Difference Maker Award; Amnesty International USA Student Activist of the Year Award

Lead trial counsel in a fiercely contested trust dispute, securing a six-figure verdict plus treble damages at trial

Obtained a directed verdict at trial in a multi-million-dollar franchise dispute

Secured dismissal of a multi-million-dollar breach of contract claim involving alleged business ownership interests and purported loans

Successfully defended a franchisor in a contentious franchise dispute, obtaining a complete defense verdict ($0 recovery) on a $3 million claim

Obtained a $300,000 federal court judgment against a franchisee in a heavily contested franchise matter

Obtained dismissal plus attorney fees in a contested franchise dispute

National litigation counsel for a franchisor in the massage therapy industry; obtained preliminary and permanent injunctions prohibiting former franchisees from using trademarks and operating competing businesses within restricted territories

National litigation counsel for a franchisor in the fitness and stretch training industry; secured immediate compliance agreements enforcing non-compete, confidentiality, and trademark obligations

Obtained dismissal of an American Arbitration Association action involving alleged defective computer software services

Obtained dismissal of an American Arbitration Association action involving alleged defective EV charging stations

Secured dismissal of a real property dispute alleging mental incompetence following execution of a quitclaim deed

Negotiated a nuisance-value settlement of a multi-million-dollar wrongful death claim arising from alleged construction-site negligence