David Thomas Acalin

David Acalin knows first hand the courage required, and challenges to overcome when people leave their home country for the United States in search of the American Dream.

David’s family emigrated to the U.S. from a fishing village in Dalmatia, an historical region of the eastern Adriatic – later to become one of the regions of Croatia, Slavonia, and Istria, following World War II. They came to America with a strong work ethic and the hope of a better future for their children, and David grew up in a loving, working class home where he learned the value of hard work, an education, and the importance of finishing what he started.

Through these principles and his own dedication, David earned an academic scholarship from U.C.L.A. – becoming the first in his family to attend college.

After graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, David took his ambitions to Washington D.C., where he quickly landed a job as a campaign research analyst.

The two years David spent in the nation’s crucible of power instilled in him the desire to help people on a more fundamental level. So, he returned to Los Angeles, applied to law school, and was accepted at Pepperdine University School of Law.

Always one to achieve his goals, David earned his Juris Doctorate in 1984, was admitted to the California Bar that same year, and joined his current law partner in 1986. They have been practicing law together at the same office location in Los Angeles, ever since – successfully representing hundreds of people through deportation proceedings, and a myriad of other immigration matters, as well as providing, compassionate, effective counsel with serious personal injury cases.

Ever comfortable and adept in the courtroom, David has been a litigating attorney in numerous jury trials relating to a variety of legal issues – many involving serious injury and wrongful death.

During the mid 1980s, David produced a number of talk shows for Univision and Telemundo, which focused on simplifying the complex issues surrounding immigration law so his audiences could make informed decisions.

For the last 25 years, David has been on a referral list provided by the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, for Mexican nationals seeking immigration attorneys. David passed a rigorous screening and acceptance process with Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City, and many of David’s clients have found him through this referral list.

In 1998, David received a letter of appreciation from the Nicaraguan Consulate in Los Angeles, after he volunteered his legal services and collected food and clothing to help Nicaraguans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Mitch, which brought unprecedented rainfall and devastating flooding to Nicaragua.

Through the years, David has also received referrals from the British Consulate, to assist British nationals with their visa issues.

What separates David from so many in his field is the genuine empathy he displays to each of his clients, as well as the unwavering integrity he brings to every aspect of every case in which he is involved.

David cares deeply about each of his clients and he has a special place in his heart for those who are most vulnerable to being exploited and mistreated.

David prides himself on clearly explaining every detail of a case to his clients, so they can make an informed decision and understand the risks before getting started.

Many of David’s clients are without a formal education, often do not speak English, and have no understanding of U.S. immigration laws. David is particularly patient in these instances and will ensure that they fully understand the problem facing them and how he and his team will proceed to fix it.

Additionally, David regularly receives calls from criminal attorneys, who have clients facing not only criminal charges but also deportation or some other immigration issue. David does not charge these fellow attorneys for his time but rather sees this as a simple courtesy to his brethren.

David extends this same sense of devotion and loyalty to his exemplary legal staff, which has been with him for many years.  Like David, every member of his team is a consummate professional, and treats each client with the utmost care, dignity, and respect.

A self-proclaimed man for others, David believes deeply in giving back to his community, as well.  He volunteers for the Los Angeles AIDS Project, supports Christmas for Children in Foster Care, and engages in numerous programs, which provide food to the homeless.

David welcomes you to contact him at