Intro
David has vast experience in all aspects of public agency law. Since joining the firm his focus has been on representing public agencies in the transportation sector. He has served as general counsel to several transportation agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this role, David has managed all legal affairs for these agencies, with a frequent emphasis on real estate, procurement, construction and administrative law. His general counsel role also included oversight of litigation and labor and employment issues for these clients. He has also served in a special counsel capacity to several agencies.
David joined Hanson Bridgett in 1970 and has served the firm in various managerial capacities during his tenure, including both managing partner and head of the public agency section.
David is closely involved with public transportation issues at the national level. He has been an active member of the American Public Transportation Association’s Legal Affairs Committee since 1976. He frequently lectures on transportation and labor-relations issues to audiences across the country.
Areas of Focus
Education
Admissions and Courts
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. Served as general counsel to the Bridge District for nearly four decades (from 1976-2014), advising on all aspects of Bridge District legal matters.
San Mateo County Transit District. Served as general counsel for the San Mateo County Transit District for nearly four decades (from 1976-2014), with responsibility for management and oversight of all legal affairs related the District.
San Mateo County Transportation Authority. Served as general counsel to the Transportation Authority beginning with its inception in 1988 until 2014.
Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. Served as general counsel to the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, operator of the Caltrain commuter rail system, since its inception in 1988 until 2014.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Served as special counsel to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority for many years on various special projects.
As special counsel, has advised on complex transit issues to other public agencies and organizations.
Bar Association of San Francisco
State Bar of California, Public Law Section
American Public Transit Association, Legal Affairs Committee
American Bar Association, Urban, State and Local Government Law Section
Alfred University, Board of Trustees
2008 Community Leadership Award Recipient, Peninsula Coalition
Northern California Super Lawyers (2005-2015)
"Creative Approaches to Land Acquisition," co-author, California Transit Association (January/February 2008)
"The Relationship and Role of Legal Counsel vis-a-vis Governing Board and CEO," American Public Transportation Association (January 2009)