David Casselman

David B. Casselman is a recognized trial specialist, successfully representing both plaintiffs and defendants for decades. In addition, throughout his 38-year legal career, he has been a passionate defender of animals. Among his many animal related cases, all handled pro bono, he represented Robert Culp and Aaron Leider in the highly publicized litigation over the premature deaths of elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo.

That case has been litigated for over seven years, proceeding all the way through trial and two appeals. His efforts produced a trial victory and a published appellate decision in favor of the elephants. It is currently on the docket of the California Supreme Court, awaiting rulings on a City Petition for Review and Request for Depublication of the decision in favor of the elephants.

David has also provided his time, always pro bono, for other animal causes. He is one of the co-authors of the “Hayden Law” in California, which requires extended medical care and protection for stray animals which are held by public shelters. He has also served as chosen mediator between public and private entities regarding proper care of animals at public shelters.

He has long rescued dogs in need of a home. He has consistently been pro bono counsel to the Whale Rescue Team in Los Angeles California. He is also the founder and director of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, which is comprised of one million acres of unmined jungle land in northwestern Cambodia.

In his other legal work, David and his clients have enjoyed years of undefeated trial successes, involving litigation claims for both plaintiffs and defendants. He is particularly well-known for his work involving lawsuits involving tens of millions of dollars of property damage, often in the field of inverse condemnation. He has extensive experience representing both private parties as well as public entities in such cases.

An honors graduate of the University of Michigan and Southwestern Law School (selected 1993 Alumnus of the Year). David is a member and Past President (2005) of the Los Angeles Chapter and (2009) President of the California Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a past member of the Board of Directors of the Southern California Defense Counsel, past chairman of their Amicus Curiae Committee, a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, the American Trial Lawyer’s Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, The Inn of Court and the Supreme Court Historical Society.

David is a frequent speaker. As an insurance law professor, he authored his own casebook. He was also a panelist and draftsman for the Insurance Litigation materials presented to the California Judges Association in 1989 and 1990. He is was also asked to participate as on original co‑author and editor of the definitive three volume Rutter California Practice Guide on Insurance Litigation.

In addition, he serves as an expert witness in his fields of expertise, as an arbitrator and mediator. He has also shared his experience, serving as an adjunct professor at Southwestern School of Law (Insurance Law) and The University of West Los Angeles School of Law (Trial Practice).