David Ehrenwerth is a partner in the firm's Real Estate practice. He focuses on a wide range of business matters and is particularly active in the fields of real estate development, finance, partnership syndications, corporate transactions and the structuring of complex domestic and international joint ventures and limited partnerships. He has represented numerous real estate developers, closely-held entities, family-owned businesses, investment groups, and lenders. His practice also includes structuring and representing entities that undertake significant urban development projects including the repositioning of shopping centers and residential areas.
In addition, he has represented major hospitals and medical practices, foundations, entertainment ventures, and economic development organizations. David has chaired both the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Committee on Real Estate Finance and the Real Property Section of the Allegheny County Bar Association and has frequently lectured on real estate and business topics.
David initially joined K&L Gates in 1974 and was elected to partnership in 1979. He served for over a decade on the firm's overall management committee and as managing partner for the Pittsburgh office. He returned to the firm in 2013 after serving from 2010-2012, by Presidential appointment, as Associate Commissioner of the United States Public Buildings Service and previously as Regional Administrator of the General Services Administration.
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law in Pittsburgh, 2023-2025
David has served as chairman of the Board of Montefiore University Hospital and has also served on the boards of Presbyterian University Hospital, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pennsylvania Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and the American Jewish Committee's National Board of Governors. He also has served as President of the Harvard Law School Association of Western Pennsylvania.
He has been a member of Fannie Mae's National Advisory Council and a long-time Board member of the Pennsylvania Economy League. David is the immediate past Chair of the Board of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and served on the Board of Neighborhood Legal Services Association. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation.
Long active in political affairs, David has advised numerous candidates and elected officials on a wide range of policy issues and has served on transition teams for two of Pennsylvania's Governors. He currently serves as co-chair of the Thornburgh Forum on Law and Public Policy at the University of Pittsburgh.
Named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for several years, David was also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 for work in Real Estate Law. In addition, David also is a fellow of the Allegheny County Bar Association. David has received the State of Israel Bonds Legal Division Award for distinguished service to the legal profession and the Jewish and civic communities of the Tri-State Area. He also was the recipient of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Jewish Committee's Human Relations Award for his efforts in support of international and intergroup relations.
Governmental Service
By Presidential appointment, David served from 2010 to 2012 as Associate Commissioner of the United States Public Buildings Service and previously as Regional Administrator of the General Services Administration. As Associate Commissioner, David helped oversee the Federal Government’s national real estate portfolio of almost 400,000,000 square feet located in 10,000 properties. The Public Buildings Service is one of the largest and most diversified real estate organizations in the world. David also served as the Agency’s Senior Recovery Act Official in which capacity he oversaw the expenditure of the $5.5 billion dollars allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the construction and energy-efficient renovation of a wide range of Federal buildings throughout the country.
Prior to joining K&L Gates, David served as an Assistant Attorney General of Pennsylvania and as Assistant Counsel for the Pennsylvania Crime Commission. He also served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve.
- Quoted, “Brett Murphy, Katelyn Polantz talk court ethics and judicial journalism at Pitt Law School,” The Pitt News, 13 September 2024
