David J. Darnell is a highly experienced trial attorney with an impeccable track record. In other words, he delivers results and helps clients win.
Mr. Darnell specializes in business, contract and complex commercial matters, as well as disputes involving corporate governance, fiduciary duties, partnerships, fraud and other torts.
Mr. Darnell obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he majored in Communications and Environmental Studies. He then earned his law degree at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, where he participated in the Southwestern Moot Court Honors Program and served on its Board of Governors.
Mr. Darnell is an accomplished advocate with both the pen and in open court. In fact, his skills were acknowledged early in his legal career in the 1999 National Moot Court Competition, where he won the prestigious Best Brief award and was a Semi-Finalist in oral argument.
Mr. Darnell has been selected as a Super Lawyer, a rating awarded to the top 5% of all attorneys in the state, in every year since 2015. In addition, in 2012, 2013 and 2014, he was selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, a peer nominated honor bestowed on the top 2.5 % of all attorneys in the state who are 40 years of age or under.
As a professional, Mr. Darnell's counsel has led to significant results for clients in trials, arbitrations and mediations. One case in particular involved the defense of a multi-million dollar claim in a 6 week jury trial, which resulted in a monetary award to his client who was only a defendant in the action. He has also obtained numerous multi-million dollar judgments, verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs.
Some of Mr. Darnell's recent cases include:
Mr. Darnell is an active member of the California state bar and is licensed to appear and try cases before every state court in California, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern Districts of California, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Practice areas
Complex Business Litigation Contract Law Commercial Law Fraud and other intentional torts Unfair Business Practices False Advertising Trade Secrets Litigation Securities Litigation Insurance
22 years
Complex Business Litigation Contract Law Commercial Law Fraud and other intentional torts Unfair Business Practices False Advertising Trade Secrets Litigation Securities Litigation Insurance
22 years
Complex Business Litigation Contract Law Commercial Law Fraud and other intentional torts Unfair Business Practices False Advertising Trade Secrets Litigation Securities Litigation Insurance
22 years
Complex Business Litigation Contract Law Commercial Law Fraud and other intentional torts Unfair Business Practices False Advertising Trade Secrets Litigation Securities Litigation Insurance
22 years
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2000 | 06/10/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2015 |
Southern California Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Southern California Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Southern California Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
Semi-Finalist, Medal for Excellency in Advocacy | American College of Trial Lawyers | 1999 |
Best Brief Award, Medal for Excellency in Advocacy | American College of Trial Lawyers | 1999 |
Oralist Finalist | Southwestern University School of Law | 1998 |
Best Writer Finalist | Southwestern University School of Law | 1998 |
Dean's List | University of California at Santa Barbara | 1996 |
Dean's List | University of California at Santa Barbara | 1995 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Senior Attorney | Callahan & Blaine | 2010 - Present |
Attorney and Team Leader | BKGG | 2004 - 2010 |
Attorney | Weston Herzog LLP | 2001 - 2004 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Orange County Bar Association, Business & Litigation Section | Member | 2009 - Present |
State Bar of California, Litigation Section | Member | 2009 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association | Member | 2006 - Present |
State Bar of California | Member | 2000 - Present |
Active OC | Board Member | 2009 - 2010 |
Southwestern Moot Court Honors Program | Board of Governors | 1999 - 2000 |
Soutwestern Moot Court Honors Program | Member | 1998 - 2000 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
OC Weekly | OC Register Carriers Lawsuit Finally Delivers an Ending | 2012 |
Orange County Business Journal, Securities Supplement | To Judge or Not To Judge: Stage is Set in SEC v. Citigroup | 2012 |
Business Wire | Callahan & Blaine Announces $30 Million Settlement of Orange County Register Class Action | 2012 |
PR Web | Orange County Litigation Law Firm Callahan & Blaine Prevails in AMI Services Case | 2011 |
Orange County Business Journal, Securities Supplement | Revealing Impact of a Dim Economy: A Deluge of Recent Ponzi Schemes | 2010 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Southwestern Univ SOL | JD - Juris Doctor | 2000 |
Univ of California Santa Barbara | Undergraduate | 1996 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Whitehead v. Herron | Complete defense for my client at trial |
Skorheim v. Flanders | $15.5 million win for my client |
AMI v. Dominion | $1,055,000.00 judgment for my client |
In re: Otero | Excellent settlement for my clients |
Williams v. Barr, et al. | Case against my clients dismissed |
Posted by anonymous
August 6, 2010
Michael Leboff, Litigation Attorney on Oct 25, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
Terrific litigator with a great track record of success. I endorse this lawyer.
Nema Daghbandan, Business Attorney on Aug 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Leboff, Litigation Attorney on Oct 25, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
Terrific litigator with a great track record of success. I endorse this lawyer.
Nema Daghbandan, Business Attorney on Aug 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Amy Martinez, Insurance Attorney on Aug 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kevin Kim, Business Attorney on Aug 6, 2015
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Laura Morris, Litigation Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
David is a highly skilled and well respected litigator with a tireless work ethic. He consistently achieves excellent results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer.
Eduardo Martorell, Litigation Attorney on Jun 17, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
David is a senior litigator that is a pleasure to work for. He is smart, diligent, hard-working, responsive, and pleasant. For those reasons, I fully endorse him as an attorney.
Brendan Ford, Unknown Attorney on Jun 16, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
David has achieved excellent results for his business clients. I endorse this lawyer.
David Garcia, Business Attorney on Nov 9, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Evan Grant, Litigation Attorney on Aug 18, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Michika Shimabe, Litigation Attorney on Aug 17, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Scott Nelson, Litigation Attorney on Aug 17, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Daniel Callahan, Litigation Attorney on Aug 12, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Jill Thomas, Litigation Attorney on Aug 12, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Kristy Schlesinger, Business Attorney on Aug 12, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Kimberly Maynard Carasso, Business Attorney on Aug 11, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Ryan Williams, Litigation Attorney on Aug 11, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
John Hurney, Litigation Attorney on Aug 11, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Douglas Carasso, Securities and investment fraud Attorney on Aug 10, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.