Overview
David serves clients in litigation matters and in areas of public law.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Richards, Watson & Gershon, David served as Deputy District Attorney in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties from 1999 to 2019, with over 50 solo jury trials to verdict and countless other litigation matters. For 14 years David served on the Real Estate Fraud Committee of the California District Attorneys Association, acting as Chair from 2010 to 2018. In 2019 David also operated his own firm for one year where he practiced land use law, real estate law, and criminal defense.
From 2009 to 2017 David served on the San Mateo City Council, including two years as the appointed Mayor. David also served as the City of San Mateo representative on various regional Boards including the San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council and the San Mateo County Transportation Demand Management Agency.
Professional and Community Affiliations
Member, San Mateo County Bar Association
Member, Alameda County Bar Association
Interests
David is an avid (but slow) runner, having completed 17 marathons.
Experience
Highlighted Representations
- People v. Max Harris & Derick Almena. Alameda County Superior Court, 2017-2019. Lead prosecutor in the Ghost Ship Warehouse fire on December 2, 2016, which killed 36 individuals.
- People v. Yusuf Bey IV, et. al. Alameda County Superior Court, 2007. Led a series of prosecutions against the organized criminal syndicate “Your Black Muslim Bakery” in Oakland in multiple cases of real estate fraud and identity theft to help break up the syndicate. Companion prosecution to the murder case of Oakland Post reporter Chauncey Bailey.
Presentations
David has taught courses on complex white collar crime prosecution to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Practice Areas
Education
J.D., Hastings College of the Law
M.Ed, UCLA
B.A., UCLA
