David Michael Grokenberger, General Attorney in Santa Barbara, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on General, Landlord/Tenant, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatGrokenberger & Smith
Santa Barbara, CA
Practicing general in Santa Barbara since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you David Michael Grokenberger?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
David Michael Grokenberger is a member based in Santa Barbara, CA. The practice focuses on General, Landlord/Tenant, and Litigation. David has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Grokenberger & Smith. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- General · Landlord/Tenant · Litigation
- Handles General, Landlord/Tenant, and Litigation matters from Santa Barbara, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About David Michael Grokenberger: David Michael Grokenberger is a member based in Santa Barbara, CA. The practice focuses on General, Landlord/Tenant, and Litigation. David has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Grokenberger & Smith. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David Michael Grokenberger
David concentrates on general, landlord/tenant, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
View other General attorneys
Landlord/Tenant
View other Landlord/Tenant attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
General cases in Santa Barbara, California
David takes general matters in Santa Barbara, 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.
Landlord/Tenant cases in Santa Barbara, California
David takes landlord/tenant matters in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, California
David takes litigation matters in Santa Barbara, 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.
Real Estate cases in Santa Barbara, California
David takes real estate matters in Santa Barbara, 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
About David Michael Grokenberger — Over 51 years of California general experience
David Michael Grokenberger is a member based in Santa Barbara, CA. The practice focuses on General, Landlord/Tenant, and Litigation. David has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Grokenberger & Smith. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
David Michael Grokenberger is a lawyer practicing real estate, landlord-tenant law, civil litigation and 1 other area of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. David practices at Grokenberger & Smith in Santa Barbara, CA.
David's approach to general cases
David Michael Grokenberger is a lawyer practicing real estate, landlord-tenant law, civil litigation and 1 other area of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. David practices at Grokenberger & Smith in Santa Barbara, CA.
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, landlord/tenant, and litigation matters in Santa Barbara and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
David Michael Grokenberger's legal education and bar admissions
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1975
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
California
1975 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of David Michael Grokenberger
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
Santa Barbara County Bar Association (Chairman, Real Property Section, 1986-1989) State Bar of California
membership
Locations
David Michael Grokenberger's office in Santa Barbara
David's primary office is at 152 East Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David Michael Grokenberger — 4.4/5 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 general attorneys in Santa Barbara.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Michael Grokenberger claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David Michael Grokenberger — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Santa Barbara, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Michael Grokenberger
How much does it cost to hire David for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general 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 Santa Barbara?
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 general 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
General attorneys serving Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
David handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- Santa Barbara1,667 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in California
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Santa Barbara handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael Shemtoub
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 218

Farid Yaghoubtil
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 155
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74