How much does it cost to hire David for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does David offer a free consultation?

David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in California typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Lake Forest?

David is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is David accepting new business clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

David B. Ezra, Business Attorney in Lake Forest

Quick answer

David B. Ezra is an attorney based in Lake Forest, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. David has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berger Kahn ALC.

Based in: Lake Forest, CALIFORNIA
Experience: over 36 years
Known for: Business · Insurance · Litigation

Handles Business, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Lake Forest, CALIFORNIA.
Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Orange County) (2019).

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Lake Forest

David concentrates on business, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Lake Forest, California

David takes business matters in Lake Forest, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Lake Forest, California

David takes insurance matters in Lake Forest, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Lake Forest, California

David takes litigation matters in Lake Forest, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David B. Ezra, business attorney serving Lake Forest

David B. Ezra is an attorney based in Lake Forest, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. David has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berger Kahn ALC. David works from Lake Forest, California and takes on business matters across the region.

David Ezra, a shareholder in Berger Kahn’s Orange County office, has successfully represented clients involved in insurance and employment litigation for over 25 years. He believes there’s only one way to practice law - with 100% dedication to achieving the client’s objectives.

David frequently serves expert witness in connection with insurance litigation.

He also works as a mediator, having co-founded Innovative Dispute Resolution (IDR) in 2005.

David was named Best Lawyers 2018 and 2016 Insurance Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in Southern California, the list of Best Lawyers of America 2015-present, and Orange County’s “Top 5” Attorneys in Insurance and/or Employment law by OC Metro magazine. Super Lawyers named him to the list of “Top 100″ Southern California Super Lawyers from 2013-present and “Top 50″ Orange County Super Lawyers from 2010-present.

Appellate Decisions

David has significant appellate experience, obtaining many published and unpublished decisions, including:

Hayward v. Superior Court, 2 Cal.App.5th 10 (2016)
Underwriters of Interest Subscribing to Policy No. A15274001 v. ProBuilders Specialty Ins. Co., 241 Cal.App.4th 721 (2015)
Liberty Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v. Central Garden & Pet Co., 2013 Cal.App.Unpub. LEXIS 6245
Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Kim, 2013 Cal.App.Unpub. LEXIS 2309
Lomes v. Hartford Financial Services Group, 88 Cal.App.4th 127 (2001)
Continental Casualty Co. v. Superior Court (Paragon), 92 Cal.App.4th 430 (2001)
Padilla Construction Co., Inc. v. Transportation Ins. Co.,150 Cal.App.4th 984 (2007)
Molski v. Evergreen Dynasty Corp., 500 F.3d 1047 (9th Cir. 2007)
Equus Prods. v. Truck Ins. Exch., B185357, 2006 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 10082 (Ct. App. Nov. 6, 2006)

Published Works

David writes and speaks extensively on legal topics. Some of David’s publications include:

Mastering the Blue Ridge Settlement Reservation of Rights, Claims Journal (Dec. 2016)

Reaching For Understanding: Mediating Employment Disputes With Small Business Owners, Orange County Lawyer (Jul. 2016)

Fraud and Collusion Defenses Can be Risky, Los Angeles Daily Journal (Nov. 2015)

The Mediator’s Nightmare: Am I the Most Unreasonable Party’s Advocate?, Orange County Lawyer (Aug. 2015)

Making Sense of California’s “Accident” Requirement in Liability Insurance Policies, Insurance Coverage Law Report, FC&S Legal (two-part article, Sept. and Oct./Nov. 2014)

Taking A Pregnant Pause: Potential Pitfalls In Applying The Business Judgment Rule And The Mixed Motive Defense In Employment Cases, Orange County Lawyer (Oct. 2014)

What You May Not Know About Uninsured Motorist Claims, Claims Journal (Aug. 2014)

Writing A “Winning” Mediation Brief, Mediate.com (Feb. 2014)

Loose Lips Sink Ships: Panel Counsel and Confidentiality, Los Angeles Daily Journal, Sept. 16, 2013.

Asterisk: Home Runs, Steroids, and the Rush to Judgment (Triumph Books (2008) (Foreword by Mike Schmidt)).

How Presley Homes Has Changed the Duty to Defend, Los Angeles Lawyer, April 2003.

‘Get Your Ashes Out of My Living Room!': Controlling Tobacco Smoke in Multi-Unit Residential Housing, 54 Rutgers Law Review 135-189 (2001).

Shedding New Light on the Cumis Doctrine, The Recorder, October, 1998.

Sticks and Stones Can Break My Bones But Tobacco Smoke Can Kill Me: Can We Protect Children From Parents that Smoke?, 13 St. Louis University Public Law Review 547-590 (1994).

Separate But Not Equal: Gender Specific Dress Codes and Employment Discrimination, 3 Western State University Journal of Law 119-144 (1994).

‘Get Off Your Butts': The Employer’s Right to Regulate Employee Smoking, 60 Tennessee Law Review 905-955 (1993).

Working with David on a business matter

David Ezra, a shareholder in Berger Kahn’s Orange County office, has successfully represented clients involved in insurance and employment litigation for over 25 years. He believes there’s only one way to practice law - with 100% dedication to achieving the client’s objectives. David frequently serves expert witness in connection with insurance litigation. He also works as a mediator, having…

Who David represents

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, insurance, and litigation matters in Lake Forest and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

University of California - Irvine
— · 2005
University of Southern California
JD · 1990
California State University Fullerton
BA · 1987

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

California, U.S. Dis
ACTIVE
California, U.S. Cou
ACTIVE
California
1990 · ACTIVE

David studied at — in University of California - Irvine, JD in University of Southern California, and BA in California State University Fullerton.

Law school and academic background

David completed — in University of California - Irvine, JD in University of Southern California, and BA in California State University Fullerton. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

David has received 46 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Orange County)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Insurance Law (Orange County)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Orange County)
2016
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Union
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mediation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2020
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2020
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2021
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2021
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2022
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2022
2026
Best Lawyers in America — "America's Top 100 Attorneys" Lifetime Achievement Honor
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated - Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated - Martindale-Hubbell in Alternative Dispute Resolution
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2014
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2015
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2016
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2017
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2018
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers 2019
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 5 Orange County Attorneys in Employment Law, OC Metro Magazine, 2009
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 5 Orange County Attorneys in Insurance Law and Employment Law, OC Metro Magazine, 2010
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 5 Orange County Attorneys in Insurance Law, OC Metro Magazine, 2011
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 5 Orange County Attorneys in Insurance Law, OC Metro Magazine, 2012
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2010
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2011
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2012
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2014
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2015
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2016
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2017
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2018
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Orange County Southern California Super Lawyers 2019
2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Orange County) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Insurance Law (Orange County) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Orange County) (2016). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026).

Locations

Office locations for David B. Ezra in Lake Forest, California

David's primary office is at Lake Forest, California, 92630. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Berger Kahn ALC

Lake Forest, California 92630

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David B. Ezra

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with David B. Ezra can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire David B. Ezra — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Lake Forest, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David B. Ezra

How much does it cost to hire David for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Lake Forest?
David is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new business clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like David B. Ezra. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
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1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Lake Forest, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

David handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

David B. Ezra, Business Attorney in Lake Forest, California

Quick answer

David's practice areas in Lake Forest

Business cases in Lake Forest, California

Insurance cases in Lake Forest, California

Litigation cases in Lake Forest, California