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.

Bar Admissions

• California
• New York

Education
Ph.D., Honorary, Alfred University (2012)
J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Syracuse University College of Law (1969)
B.A., cum laude, Alfred University (1966)

Significant Accomplishments

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 since 1976, 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.

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.

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.

Professional Associations

• 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

Professional Activities and Experience
Accolades

• 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)