David Elson

David Elson, Environmental Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior CounselatManatt Phelps And Phillips Llp

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing environmental in Los Angeles since 1971.

55+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

David Elson is a senior counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. David has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 55 years
Known for
Environmental · Litigation · Personal Injury
  • Handles Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About David Elson: David Elson is a senior counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. David has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

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

Environmental cases in Los Angeles, California

David takes environmental matters in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, California

David takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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.

Personal Injury cases in Los Angeles, California

David takes personal injury matters in Los Angeles, 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

Meet David Elson — environmental lawyer in Los Angeles

David Elson is a senior counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. David has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

David Elson is a lawyer practicing environmental and toxic torts, litigation. David received a B.A. degree from Occidental College in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. David practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

David's approach to environmental cases

David Elson is a lawyer practicing environmental and toxic torts, litigation. David received a B.A. degree from Occidental College in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. David practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, litigation, and personal injury matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Stanford Law School

    J.D. · 1970

  • Occidental College

    B.A. · 1967

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • California

    1971 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Stanford Law School and B.A. in Occidental College.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Stanford Law School and B.A. in Occidental College. 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

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Membership Activities Admitted to practice in California

    membership

  • Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association and American Bar Association, the State Bar of California and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers

    membership

  • Board Member and Chairman, Land Use Committee, Benedict Canyon Association

    membership

  • Board Member, Western Center on Law and Poverty

    membership

  • Past Chairperson, Community Advisory Council, Warner Avenue School

    membership

  • Past Member, Indigent Defense Panel, U

    membership

  • S

    membership

  • District Court for the Central District of California

    membership

  • Past Member, Litigation Advisory Group, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

    membership

Locations

David Elson's office in Los Angeles

David's primary office is at Trident Center, East Tower, 11355 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90064. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp

Trident Center, East Tower, 11355 West Olympic Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Elson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Los Angeles.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Elson claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Elson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Los Angeles, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Elson

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do environmental cases in California typically take?

    Simple environmental 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 Los Angeles?

    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 environmental clients right now?

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

Areas served

Environmental attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.