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David E Hallett

Construction and development Attorney at San Diego, CA

5.0   11 reviews
Free consultation
Free consultation
(619) 431-4598
Message Website
  • State Years
    Texas - TX 1 year
    California - CA 21 years
  • Licensed for 1 year
    State TX
    Acquired 2022
    Status
    Eligible to Practice in Texas No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 21 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2002
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Excellent Attorney
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
It was looking so hopeless...
Shanel
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Construction and development
    34%
    Litigation, involving mechanic liens, Miller Act, delay claims, faulty construction, breach of contract, breach of warranty, and construction defect.

    21 years, 175 cases

  2. Insurance
    33%
    Insurance coverage analysis and insurance bad faith. Interpreting and advising of the rights and obligations under insurance contracts and taking legal action to protect those rights.

    21 years, 500 cases

  3. Litigation
    33%
    Litigation, generally defending and prosecuting claims on behalf of business and individuals, including insurance related matters.

    21 years, 150 cases

David E. Hallett graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He obtained his Juris Doctor (Magna Cum Laude) from California Western School of Law in 2002.  Mr. Hallett is also a California licensed Real Estate Broker, DRE 01856886. Mr. Hallett is admitted to practice before the courts of the State of California and all of the United States District Courts in California.

Mr. Hallett’s practice includes all aspects of business and civil litigation. He often works with contractors and subcontractors in all aspects of construction matters, including construction defects, breach of contract, breach of warranty, bodily injury claims, mechanic liens, Prompt Payment issues, failure to pay, as well as insurance coverage analysis and litigation. He also assists with contract formation, contract interpretation, and pre-litigation dispute resolution processes. In addition, Mr. Hallett works with both businesses and individuals in all aspects of their insurance needs and disputes, including presentation of claims, tenders to potentially responsible carriers, and bad faith litigation. 

In his spare time, David enjoys time with his wife and three boys. His family loves the outdoors and takes frequent hikes and camping adventures. David is also active in sports and loves to swim in the ocean, mountain bike and play beach bocce, tennis and basketball.

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
2019

Photos and videos

San Diego Top Lawyers 2016 - 2020

Photos and videos

San Diego Top Lawyers 2016 - 2020

Contact David

Buscemi Hallett LLP
555 West Beech Street, Suite 450
San Diego, CA, 92101
buhalaw.com
Message Get Directions

Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
We hired David to aid with a business that took advantage of my family. He was successful in getting the issues resolved to our satisfaction.
Posted by Shanel | October 21, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
It was looking so hopeless...
We put on a Christmas tree farm and about a week into the event, rain and extreme wind completely destroyed our entire setup. We thought we had liability and damage, since the event was merely an amendment to our normal business insurance, however the insurance company had other plans. They said we had liability only and offered to pay a fraction of the amount we had lost. After going in circles and getting passed around to countless departments, only to hit a wall each time, we decided to get a lawyer. David was professional, approachable and took the time to explain everything. We were kept in the loop throughout the entire process, and in the end, we were able to recoup the entire amount we had lost. Had we not called David, we would still be fighting this pointless fight and getting no where. We highly recommend using Mr Hallett for any insurance legal needs.
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Posted by Rosa | March 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Representation!
David and his team are absolutely amazing, knowledgeable and professional! We are super happy that we choose him to represent us! We own a roofing company in San Diego. Since the beginning, David has been super responsive answering all of our questions and giving us his best advise. Every question we have (employee issues, contracts, insurance, ect), he has responded very fast and in detail! We recently had a dispute with a client in regards to work that was completed but did not want to issue payment. David was absolutely great and got us a settlement payment in a short amount of time! We feel piece of mind knowing that we have David as part of our team! We absolutely recommend them!!
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Posted by Sarah | February 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hardworking and trustworthy
Thank you David Hallett for going above and beyond in the case you handled for my family! We were involved in a lawsuit with a large corporation and throughout the entirety of the case David communicated regularly and worked extremely hard to help us reach the best possible outcome. I truly appreciate all of David’s efforts in this case!
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Posted by Brooke | February 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A genuine lawyer with a caring heart
From the beginning, David Hallett proved to be a truthful, hardworking and honest lawyer. My family had a dispute with a large company and he worked very hard to see our case through, subsequently, ending in a favorable result. We appreciate all of his hard work and dedication to our case.
Posted by Tim | February 22, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent Free Consultation!!!
Mr. David Hallett provided me with an excellent free consultation! I have a complex, difficult case and an extremely difficult decision to make and Mr. Hallett gave me some excellent advise. Unfortunately, I have been a victim many times in my life and I have had to file lawsuits (so I know lawsuits, lawyers, legal stuff, etc). Not only did Mr. Hallett give me a free 30 minute consultation, he gave me an hour of his time! (Very generous and thank you very much!).
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Posted by Lisa | February 11, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Insurance claim
I contacted David Hallett because of a dispute I was having with my insurance carrier. He was extremely responsive and helpful in dealing with the carrier and the dispute was resolved. He was professional and informative and I would highly recommend him.
Posted by Forest | February 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Respectful Professional in an Outstanding Firm
I came to Buscemi Hallett with a small renter's insurance case that I imagine many other firms would have turned down. My situation arose at a time when I was extremely vulnerable physically, emotionally and financially. Legal disputes are quite new to me, and I was nervous about the process. David Hallett graciously worked on my case with integrity, sensitivity, and tenacity far beyond my expectations. He fought vehemently in many negotiations and provided me with clear communications and status updates. The firm's support staff was reliable, patient, consistently kind and understanding. When working with David Hallet, I felt that my option was heard and that my time and resources were highly valued. Over the many months that we worked together, I never once felt dismissed, overlooked or condescended to in any way. As a woman, I tremendously appreciate this level of respect. I was thoroughly impressed with all my interactions with the firm.
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Posted by Diana | January 29, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and Experienced
I hired David to handle a property damage claim. He did an excellent job. He was knowledgeable, easy to get a hold of, and efficient. He made me feel like my claim was important to him and he valued my business. I would highly recommend utilizing his services for your legal needs.
Posted by Steve | February 8, 2014
Saved me from myself
I feel very fortunate that I found David Hallett. I was in a situation where my client was attempting to enjoy our beautiful cabinetry, breach our payment agreement(by not paying half of the contract price) and add insult by using The Contractor State License Board in an attempt to negotiate the balance owed. I would obsesse about it when I should be selling, and by hiring David, I was able to do jjust that (sell) with confidence that he was bringing this to closure, while giving me a sense of calm. Well, with his knowledge he was able to get them to settle for a even more favorable amount that exceeded the balance owed. Thank you much David! Steve
Read less
Posted by credit manager, whole distribution | January 30, 2014
Surprise! Results thru communication. It really works
Good construction attorneys are not easy to find. One that can listen and communicate to get results that work to eveyones interest. Thank you for being one
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Buscemi Hallett LLP
  • 2012 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Grimm Vranjes & Greer LLP
  • 2003 - 2012
  • Attorney
  • Angelo & Milman (now Angelo & White)
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Law Clerk
  • United States Department of the Navy: Research, Development & Acquisition, United States Pentagon
  • 2001 - 2001
  • Law Clerk
  • England, Trovillion, Inveiss & Ponticello (now Trovillion, Inveiss & Demakis)
  • 2000 - 2002
  • Claims Adjuster
  • National Steel and Shipbuilding
  • 1997 - 1999
View all work experience

Education

  • San Diego Inn of Court College of Trial Advocacy
  • 2007
  • California Western School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor (magna cum laude)
  • 2002
  • University of California, San Diego
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1997

Legal Cases

  • Ruiz v. Herman Weissker, Inc. (2005) 130 Cal.App.4th 52 , 29 Cal.Rptr.3d 641
  • Prevailed for Client

Associations

  • Insurance/Bad Faith Law Section of the SDCBA
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • San Diego Association of Realtors
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • California Association of Realtors
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • N/A
  • San Diego County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • San Diego Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Association of Business Trial Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • San Diego Christian Legal Society
  • President
  • 2012 - 2014
  • Christian Legal Society (San Diego chapter)
  • Vice President
  • 2010 - 2012
  • Christian Legal Society (San Diego chapter)
  • Secretary
  • 2008 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • Academic Excellence in Negotiation
  • California Western School of Law
  • 2002
  • Academic Excellence in Professional Responsibility/Ethics
  • California Western School of Law
  • 2001
  • Academic Excellence in Civil Procedure II
  • California Western School of Law
  • 2000
View all awards

Publications

  • California Western Law Review
  • California Western Law Review
  • 2002
  • California Western International Law Journal
  • California Western International Law Review
  • 2002
  • Franklin Pierce Law Center, IDEA The Journal of Law & Technology
  • “How to Destroy a Reputation and Get Away With It - The Communications Decency Act Examined: Do the Policies and Standards Set Out in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Provide a Solution for a Person Defamed Online?”
  • 2001
  • California Western Law Review
  • California Western Law Review
  • 2001
  • California Western International Law Journal
  • California Western International Law Journal
  • 2001
  • California Western International Law Journal
  • California Western International Law Journal
  • 2000
  • California Western Law Review
  • California Western Law Review
  • 2000
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • In House Corporate Event
  • Activating Coverage: First Party and Third Party Policies
  • 2018
  • San Diego County Bar Association
  • Insurance Law 2016 Year in Review
  • 2017
  • Insurance Training
  • CGL Endorsements - Analysis and Impact
  • 2016
  • Insurance Training
  • Conditions of Coverage and Implication on the Duty to Defend
  • 2016
  • Insurance Training
  • Insurance Coverage: A 50 State Survey
  • 2015
  • Insurance Training
  • Drafting an Insurance Coverage Letter
  • 2014
  • Insurance Training
  • Insurance Coverage Update
  • 2014
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (1)
Endorse David
Heather Louise Milligan headshot
Heather Milligan
Litigation Attorney | Mar 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David is a conscientious, meticulous and diligent attorney. I’ve known his work to be exceptional in many facets of the law and he is a skilled orator."
Matthew James Joens headshot
Matthew Joens
Litigation Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"David is an excellent attorney. He provides excellent, realistic advice to his clients. He has in-depth knowledge of insurance issues far behind the normal litigator."
Todd Evan Jaworsky headshot
Todd Jaworsky
Insurance Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Dave Hallett is an exceptional, detail-oriented lawyer that really knows his cases in-and-out as well as the underlying law. Dave is a quick thinker and great on his feet in a courtroom - while equally adept at authoring motions, briefing, etc. I highly recommend and endorse Dave for any and all insurance-related needs."
Joshua Rollin Bourne headshot
Joshua Bourne
Construction and development Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David Hallett is an excellent lawyer. I have referred my own clients to him when they have needed help with construction law and he has always provided top notch legal representation. He has a stellar reputation amongst lawyers, judges and those in the legal field in the San Diego community. He always zealously advocates for his clients and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help for construction litigation or insurance matters."
Shahin Rahimi headshot
Shahin Rahimi
Litigation Attorney | Nov 05
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a terrific attorney and very qualified."
Sarah Alice McDonald headshot
Sarah McDonald
Insurance Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"It's been seven years since I first met David Hallett, and I've come to know him as an exceptional lawyer. David is responsive, detail oriented, and thorough, and applies the same amount of skill to complex cases as he does to routine matters. Above all, he is wonderful to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend him for any insurance, construction, or civil litigation matter."
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Joshua Rollin Bourne headshot
Joshua Bourne
DUI and DWI
San Diego Construction and development Lawyer David E Hallett
David E Hallett
Construction and development Attorney
San Diego, CA
Licensed for 21 years
Free Consultation
(619) 431-4598 Message Website