David E. Keltner

David E. Keltner: Appellate and Arbitration Practice Leader in Texas

David E. Keltner is a distinguished appellate and arbitration lawyer based in Fort Worth, Texas. A former Justice on the Texas Court of Appeals, he has established himself as one of the most respected figures in Texas legal circles with his exceptional track record in handling complex appeals and arbitrations.

Practice Areas

• Appellate Practice
• Arbitration
• Bet-the-Company Litigation

Education & Credentials

Universities:

• Trinity University
• Southern Methodist University

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Trinity University (2005)
• J.D., Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law (2010)

Bar Admissions:

• Texas State Bar (2010)
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (2011)
• U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (2012)

Awards:

• Lifetime Achievement Award, ALM | Law.com Texas Legal Awards 2025
• Best Lawyers® Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year for Dallas/Fort Worth (2016 and 2018)
• American Inns of Court James E. Coleman Jr. Award Recipient for Professionalism in the Fifth Circuit, 2023
• Gregory S. Coleman Outstanding Appellate Lawyer of Texas (Inaugural Recipient), 2012 from Texas Bar Foundation
• Jim D. Bowmer Professionalism Award, 2007 from the College of the State Bar of Texas
• Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award, 2018 from the Texas Center for Legal Ethics
• Helen A. Cassidy Award for highest rated CLE presentation at the State Bar of Texas 20th Annual Advanced Civil Appellate Practice Course, 2007 and 2015
• Gregory S. Coleman Outstanding Appellate Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar Foundation, 2012

Firms:

• Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP (current)

Affiliations:

• Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (2018)

Languages:

• English

Recognized Since: 2010 - current recognition as a distinguished appellate and arbitration attorney in Texas.