David spent the majority of his career at two of the world's leading law firms.  He started his career at global law firm Latham & Watkins LLP and then moved to litigation powerhouse Jenner & Block LLP, where he was a Partner.  After serving in-house as Corporate Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for a publicly-traded, Fortune 200 company, David decided to return to private practice and founded Russell Law, PC.  

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Today, David represents and counsels clients ranging from individuals to companies  in areas of consumer, business, employment, entertainment/new media, and  intellectual property law.  He has extensive experience successfully litigating complex matters in federal and state courts and before arbitration panels--on behalf of both defendants and plaintiffs.  David also handles construction and design disputes.  He has been a member of numerous trial teams in both federal and state courts, having first-chaired cases as well. 

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Aside from litigation, David regularly provides counsel and strategic business advice to clients needing assistance with their corporate dealings, intellectual property licensing, and contractual agreements.  He handles complex transactional matters for clients at various stages in their growth, including start-ups and emerging technology companies.

 

Additionally, as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US), David has significant expertise providing counseling and representation related to privacy laws, including the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).  David has also counseled numerous businesses on employment issues, including compliance with the new California law relating to the classification of workers (California AB-5).

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In his spare time, David enjoys spending time with his family, shooting hoops, dominating trivia nights, and playing the electric bass.  He is also active with numerous community and bar groups including the Vista Del Mar Leadership Advisory Board, the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, and the California Minority Counsel Program. 

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EDUCATION

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• University of Chicago Law School, J.D.

• Columbia University, B.A.

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LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

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• State Bar of California

• State Bar of Idaho

• Certified Information Privacy Professional - United States (CIPP/US)

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COURT ADMISSIONS

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• U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

• U.S. District Court, Central District of California

• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

• U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California

• U.S. District Court, Idaho

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>> Representative Matters <<

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Commercial Disputes

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• Represented plaintiff in trade secret theft case that resulted in $130M settlement

• Secured favorable settlement for Fortune 100 company involving commercial lease dispute

• Obtained dismissal of a putative class action lawsuit challenging a large private real estate company’s apartment rental policies

• Defended an energy drink company from a competitor’s trademark and trade dress infringement claims, resulting in a favorable settlement

• Obtained dismissals of a number of putative class action disputes alleging false advertising and labeling of food products

• Defended website operator against copyright infringement claims which resulted in a favorable settlement

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Employment Matters

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• Successfully defended multiple employment litigation matters on behalf of a major national retail chain ranging from individual discrimination suits to putative class and PAGA actions, which resulted in favorable settlements before trial

• Successfully defended a manufacturing company in class action alleging that certain employment practices violated California law, resulting in the dismissal of class claims and the settlement of the remaining individual claim for a minimal amount

• Successfully defended medical device company in individual discrimination action, which resulted in favorable settlement

• Prevailed in 9th Circuit appeal on behalf of pro bono plaintiff alleging gender discrimination

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Construction & Design Disputes

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• Secured favorable settlement on behalf of real estate developer against contractor and subcontractors relating to construction defects

• Successfully intervened in a case and obtained a stay for third-party contractor in dispute involving an improper draw on a letter of credit

• Defended subcontractor that developed Computer Assisted Dispatch system for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority against lawsuit from prime contractor, which resulted in favorable settlement

• Provided counseling to contractors and subcontractors regarding claims strategies and potential litigation​

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Business Transactions & Counseling

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• Represented company in the EdTech space to draft and negotiate software development agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and provide counseling with respect to California AB-5 and intellectual property protection

• Provided technology start-up company with advice on federal trademark registrations, privacy policies, terms of service, and corporation formation matters

• Advised food & beverage company on growth strategy and business development, including matters involving employment

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Entertainment Counseling & Litigation

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• Advised entertainment company on copyright, employment, and privacy issues 

• Obtained dismissal at pleading stage for a major movie studio against claims that its blockbuster movie infringed on an uncredited writer’s copyright

• Obtained favorable settlement for film production company with respect to claims for breach of contract and copyright infringement.

• Key member of trial team that represented rapper Jay-Z in case relating to the use of a sample of a small snippet of an Egyptian song sampled in his hit song “Big Pimpin’,” in which all defendants prevailed after a six-day trial

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Government Litigation

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• Prosecuted writ of mandate proceeding against California Governor relating to his misappropriation of funds from the National Mortgage Settlement Fund, resulting in judgment of $331M; decision upheld on appeal by the California Court of Appeal

• Represented a state senate candidate in a First Amendment challenge to a major city’s political signage law, compelling that city to revise its ordinance

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>> Awards <<

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• "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers (Business Litigation, Consumer Litigation, Employment Litigation), 2021, 2022

• "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers (Business Litigation, Entertainment & Sports, Appellate), 2013-2018, 2020

• Jenner & Block "Mentorship Award," 2015

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>> Service To The Bar <<

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• Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Member, 2016 - Present

• John M. Langston Bar Association, Member, 2011-Present

• Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Fellow, 2016

• Los Angeles County Bar Association, Member, 2011-Present

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>> Community Involvement <<

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• Vista Del Mar Leadership Advisory Board

• Bass guitarist for LA-based music band

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