Biography

Dave applies a goal-oriented and nimble approach to helping clients solve their most challenging problems.

Dave focuses on Superfund investigation and remediation, air quality, surface and groundwater quality, environmental issues in real estate transactions, Proposition 65, and endangered species and natural resources policy and permitting. His practice involves litigating claims for costs, guiding clients through environmental investigation and remediation, and advising clients on federal and California-specific requirements and policies. Dave regularly represents clients before California regulators and agencies, and frequently assists both in-state and out-of-state clients navigate California’s uniquely challenging and rigorous statutory and administrative landscape.

Dave counsels clients in the following areas:

  • Litigation and counseling arising out of federal and California environmental and land use statutes and regulations, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, Proposition 65, CEQA, NEPA, and the Endangered Species Act, and their California analogues
  • Representing clients in federal and state courts and before government agencies, including the California Water Boards, Air Pollution Control Districts, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal, state, and local agencies
  • Prosecution and defense of claims for recovery of environmental cleanup costs and related damages
  • Environmental liability and regulatory requirements in due diligence and real estate transactions
  • Endangered species permitting, conservation, and associated credit mechanisms

Education

  • Northwestern University  (B.A., 2002)
  • University of California College of the Law - San Francisco (formerly known as UC Hastings)  (J.D., magna cum laude, 2010)
    • Senior Articles Editor, Hastings Law Journal
    • Order of the Coif
    • Pro Bono Honors

Bar Admissions

  • California

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court – Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court – Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court – Southern District of California
  • U.S. District Court – New Mexico

Professional Affiliations

  • Bar Association of San Francisco
  • American Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • Bar Association of San Francisco, Environmental Law Section
    • Executive Committee, Chair (2018)
    • Member (2011–2022)
  • California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section
    • Legislation Committee, Member (2019–present)
  • Truckee Dirt Union, Board of Directors
  • Palisades Tahoe, National Ski Patrol member (2022-present)

Honors & Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in America©, a Best Lawyers® publication, recognition in Environmental Law (2020-2025)
  • Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, San Francisco, Super Lawyer (2022 - 2025)
  • Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, San Francisco, Rising Star (2015 - 2020)
  • Recipient, State Bar of California Real Property Law Section Morning Star Award (2014)

Professional Background

Before joining Beveridge & Diamond, Dave was a partner at Barg Coffin Lewis & Trapp, LLP, a San Francisco-based firm dedicated exclusively to the practice of environmental law. Earlier in his career, Dave was an associate at an AmLaw 100 firm and interned with the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental and Natural Resources Division and the Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Prior to his legal career, Dave served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua.