David is a seasoned civil litigation attorney with over thirty years’ experience working at some of the best law firms in the country, as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice and most recently as Associate General Counsel at Freddie Mac and General Counsel of a property management company. David’s experience working for the client and as the client gives him a unique perspective few attorneys have.
In private practice, David was first chair and tried to verdict dozens of jury and bench trials in California state and U.S. District courts. David was also lead counsel in several matters before the California Court of Appeal and was first chair in dozens of arbitrations and mediations in multiple forums. In his in-house positions, David supervised an extensive litigation docket, managed teams of attorneys and support staff and reported regularly to C-level executives and Boards of Directors.
David started his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, moving after several years to Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine. At these internationally recognized Am Law 100 firms, David honed his litigation skills under the tutelage of the finest litigation and trial attorneys in the country. David then moved to a boutique real estate and litigation firm in Santa Monica, CA, before joining a former Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner at another boutique firm where David became a name partner. At both these firms, David gained significant first chair jury trial experience in both state and federal courts, and it was at these firms that David gained significant real estate litigation exposure. After almost two decades, David moved to Washington, D.C. where he became a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, before becoming an Associate General Counsel at Freddie Mac. In this role, David managed an extensive litigation portfolio involving all manner of real estate litigation. Most recently, David returned to the Los Angeles area with his family and took the General Counsel position at a private real estate holding and management company, which owns and manages more than 20,000 multifamily units in the southwest U.S. There, David was in charge of managing a large litigation docket involving habitability, ADA, eminent domain and a host of other issues.
Having started his own firm, David is excited to put his extensive big firm and in-house experience to work representing individuals and businesses.
Practice areas
Senior civil litigation attorney with thirty years' experience handling complex matters with an emphasis on commercial and residential real estate, mortgage lending/servicing, housing rights and business-related litigation including class actions.
34 years, 100 cases
Experienced in Ellis Act violations and significant (e.g., multi- party, class action) habitability and eviction actions.
19 years, 50 cases
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MD | Inactive - Retired | 2012 | 12/30/2020 |
CA | Active | 1987 | 10/28/2020 |
Legal answers | 36 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Detained Immigrants Champion - Freddie Mac | CAIR Coalition (Immigrants Rights) | 2016 |
Pro Bono Honor Roll | CAIR Coalition (Immigrants Rights) | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2010 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2009 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2008 |
Distinguished Member | Who's Who Legal | 2008 |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2007 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2006 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Campbell Smith Law | 2017 - Present |
General Counsel | JK Residential | 2017 - 2017 |
Associate General Counsel | Freddie Mac | 2013 - 2016 |
Trial Attorney | United States Dept. Of Justice | 2011 - 2013 |
Partner | McNamara, Spira & Smith | 2000 - 2010 |
Shareholder | Stern, Neubauer, Greenwald & Pauly | 1991 - 2000 |
---|---|---|
Associate | Donavan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine | 1988 - 1991 |
Associate | Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom | 1986 - 1988 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
State Bar of California, Real Property Law Section | Member | 2017 - Present |
Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing | Member | 2017 - Present |
National Lawyers Guild | Member | 2017 - Present |
Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
Lawyers of Distinction | Member | 2017 - Present |
---|---|---|
Maryland State Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Capital Area Immigrants Rights Coalition | Board of Directors | 2016 - 2017 |
Hogar Immigrant Services | Member | 2010 - 2013 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Lorman Education Services publication | Seller-Financing Restrictions Under Dodd-Frank | 2019 |
Lorman Institute | Seller-Financing Restrictions Under Dodd-Frank | 2018 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Natal | LL.B - Bachelor of Laws | 1983 |
University of Natal | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1980 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Seller-Financing Restrictions Under Dodd-Frank | Dodd-Frank | 2018 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Owensmouth v Silver & Freedman | Verdict for plaintiff after jury trial |
US v Stein, et al | Following civil proceedings, criminal indictment dismissed |
Riley v. Hilton Hotels | Action dismissed by trial court and dismissal affirmed on appeal |
Castillo v Fairbanks Capital | Jury verdict in favor of plaintiffs. Court awarded plaintiffs attorneys' fees and costs in post-trial proceedings. |
Robison v Six Flags | Summary judgment reversed |
Banks v CitiMortgage | Case settled favorably on first day of jury selection |
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Santhia Curtis, Litigation Attorney on May 31, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. David is a world class litigator and trial attorney. As a chief legal officer and general counsel I have retained David twice for federal trials in Southern California. The first trial over 15 years ago and it was a “bet the company” matter. Because of David’s expertise in the courtroom we prevailed and the results were beyond our expectations. Years later when faced with another matter in Southern California I again retained David as trail counsel. Lightning struck twice. He delivered and we prevailed. David provides the highest-quality cost-effective legal services.
Leland Wahl, Litigation Attorney on Nov 17, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Dave for 25 years. We’ve litigated cases together and brainstormed others, so I know how he works and how he thinks. Dave is smart, practical and aggressive. You want him on your team - not against you!
Steven Atlee, Litigation Attorney on Nov 6, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
David is an experienced lawyer who uses sound judgment to solve problems pragmatically. He is a pleasure to work with.
Lynne Hook, Litigation Attorney on Nov 2, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Dave is a trustworthy attorney with extensive experience with private and government client litigation. His legal abilities and personal ethics are unquestionably strong.
Luis Caldera, Litigation Attorney on Nov 1, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
David Smith is a superb trial attorney with deep experience trying case and resolving them on the eve of trial through his intense preparation. He has advised me on numerous sensitive matters, and I would not hesitate to put an urgent, complex and high stakes matter in his hands. An excellent communicator who keeps a calm, professional demeanor and strategic focus while others are losing theirs. I recommend without hesitation.
Michael Henderson, Litigation Attorney on Oct 25, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
David is an exceptional attorney with a wealth of experience handling complex litigation.
Raad Shawaf, Litigation Attorney on Oct 25, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. David is a tremendous trial lawyer with excellent experience in real estate litigation. As a transactional attorney, I valued David's pre-litigation strategy and ability to take the reins once the matter went to court. David is dedicated, prepared and well spoken. Both clients and I were impressed with his strong counsel and greatly satisfied with his results.
Susan Spira, Litigation Attorney on Oct 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly! Very accomplished lawyer and terrific person - a tremendous attorney to have represent you!
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