David B. Ezra

David received his J.D. from the University of Southern California Law Center (USC), where he was a member and editor of the Southern California Law Review and finished in the top 3% of his graduating class.

David started practicing law at Irell & Manella in Newport Beach, then joined Berger Kahn in 1992. He became a shareholder in 2001 and he now practices out of Berger Kahn’s Lake Forest office.

David is a leading insurance coverage attorney, with a concentration in liability insurance, and experience in all aspects of insurance coverage and “bad faith.” His litigation experience includes a 2012 Top 10 California judgment, where he represented a major insurer in a successful subrogation case, and many successful writs and appeals.

With a practice that has centered on insurance coverage and claims handling for over 30 years, David frequently serves as an expert witness in connection with insurance litigation and related disputes.

Since receiving Certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution through The University of California, Irvine, in 2005, David has served as a mediator, and he has helped parties settle hundreds of lawsuits and disputes. His mediation approach strives to be tough on the issues, but easy on the people.

For more than a decade, David has served as a volunteer arbitrator for the OCBA’s mandatory attorney fee dispute program.

David is often recognized for his legal work, with accolades including placement on The Best Lawyers in America list from 2015 on, and inclusion the Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers and Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyers from 2013 and 2010, respectively.

David’s interests vary. He enjoys Karaoke, but otherwise tries to put his free time to good use. For example, he is the author of a noted book on baseball, Barry Bonds, and steroids — Asterisk: Home Runs, Steroids, and the Rush to Judgment (Triumph Books (2008) foreword by Hall of Famer, Mike Schmidt).

EDUCATION

University of Southern California School of Law (JD, 1990)

Editor, Southern California Law Review
Order of the Coif

California State University, Fullerton, with honors (BA, 1987)
University of California, Irvine, Certification in Conflict Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution (2005)

RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE

REPRESENTATIVE MATTER

Berger Kahn Prevails in Uninsured Motorist Benefits Case
Berger Kahn Associate Erin Mindoro and Principal David Ezra obtained a favorable judgment on August 20, 2012 in a case involving alleged uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith claims handling.

Berger Kahn’s Demurrer Sustained Without Leave to Amend
Berger Kahn Principals Jeff Crowe and David Ezra recently had a demurrer sustained without leave to amend in a case where they represented an insurance company against allegations of bad faith failure to defend.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Berger Kahn Shareholder David Ezra Presents on Insurance Issues in Employment Litigation at the OCBA’s 2024 Labor and Employment Law Symposium
Orange County Bar Association
September 19, 2024

Shareholder David Ezra Presents at AGC’s 2019 Legal Advisory Committee Retreat
Associated General Contractors of California
September 20, 2019

Shareholder David Ezra Presents at OCBA’s ADR, Construction Law, & Insurance Law Joint Section Meeting
Orange County Bar Association
June 26, 2019

Shareholder David Ezra Presents Updates in Construction Defect Coverage Law
Southern California Insurer
August 6, 2018

Piercing Mediation Confidentiality and Ensuring Judicial Neutrality
OCBA ADR Section October Meeting
November 29, 2017

Private Judging: It is not the wild west anymore
State Bar Section Convention in San Diego
August 19, 2017

Society for American Baseball Research – Allan Roth Chapter January Meeting
Shareholder David Ezra Speaks to Society for American Baseball Research
January 2017

University of California Irvine – Pre Law Speakers’ Panel
University of California Irvine
November 4, 2016

Baseball Arbitration (In and out of Baseball): Barry Bonds and Other Stories
O.C. Bar Association – ADR Section Meeting
March 28, 2016

Persuasive Legal Writing: Strategies and Tactics
QDR Mediation – Monthly Educational Seminar
June 12, 2015

Mediation and Settlement: Secrets and Strategies You Can Take to the Bank
Orange County Bar Association – Last Dash MCLE
January 19, 2013

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Berger Kahn Wins the Spirit Award at the 10th Annual Associate Board Brew Fest at the MET
Berger Kahn’s South OC Office attended the 10th Annual Associate Board Brew Fest at the MET this past Friday, June 17.

Berger Kahn is back for OCBF Project Youth’s Annual Game Day Fundraiser
On Saturday, March 26, 2022, Dave Ezra and associate board members Erin Ezra and Nandita Nayyar attended Orange County Bar Foundation Project Youth’s annual Game Day fundraiser.

Nandita Nayyar Joins Orange County Bar Foundation Associate Board
On the evening of December 2, 2021, David and Erin Ezra, Jess Nerren, Nandita Nayyar, and Jamie Rice attended Project Youth Orange County Bar Foundation’s (OCBF) annual meeting and Society of Fellows recognition reception.

Berger Kahn Participates in OCBF Project Youth’s “Brewfest” Fundraiser
On Friday, October 8, 2021, Erin Ezra, David Ezra, Jamie Rice, Walker Macon, Jay Shaaban, Nandita Nayyar, and Hannah Hong attended Project Youth Orange County Bar Foundation’s 9th Annual Associate Board Brewfest fundraiser.

Berger Kahn Fundraises to Support Local At-Risk Youth
The OC Marathon is back! That means that Berger Kahn will participate in Project Youth’s fundraising project for this year’s event on Saturday, November 6.

Dave and Erin Ezra Attend the OCBF Project Youth’s Game Day Fundraiser
On Saturday, February 20, 2021, Dave and Erin Ezra attended Orange County Bar Foundation Project Youth’s virtual Game Day fundraiser, where attendees watched the Los Angeles Lakers versus Miami Heat game.

Berger Kahn Participates in OCBF Project Youth’s OC Marathon Fundraiser
Berger Kahn is once again fundraising for the Orange County Bar Foundation Project Youth OC Marathon event.

Dave and Erin Ezra Attend Inner City Law Center 2020 Awards
On October 15, 2020, Dave and Erin Ezra attended the Inner City Law Center’s 2020 Awards. The virtual event benefitted the Inner City Law Center’s mission to end homelessness.

Dave and Erin Ezra Attend OCBF Project Youth’s First Virtual Beer Tasting
On Friday, June 19, 2020, Dave and Erin Ezra attended the first virtual Flight Night, in essence of the OCBF Project Youth’s annual rooftop Brewfest fundraiser.

Berger Kahn Volunteers at the National Representation in Media ADR Competition
On Sunday, March 1, 2020, Shareholder David Ezra, Partner Erin Ezra, and Law Clerk Jay Shaaban volunteered as judges for the National Representation in Media mediation competition place at Chapman Law School.

Berger Kahn Attends OCBF Project Youth’s 7th Annual Game Day Fundraiser
On January 11th, 2020, Berger Kahn continued its tradition of attending the Orange County Bar Foundation’s annual Game Day Fundraiser in support of Project Youth.

Berger Kahn Attends Project Youth – Orange County Bar Foundation Annual Meeting
On December 13, 2019, Erin Ezra, David Ezra, Hannah Hong, and Jamie Rice attended the Project Youth Orange County Bar Foundation’s (OCBF) annual meeting.

Berger Kahn Volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank
On August 17, 2019, Berger Kahn volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Berger Kahn Supports Project Youth’s 7th Annual Brewfest Event
On June 28, 2019, Berger Kahn attended Project Youth’s 7th annual rooftop Brewfest fundraiser.

Berger Kahn Supports Project Youth OCBF at 6th Annual Game Day Fundraiser
On January 12, 2019, Shareholder David Ezra, Partner Erin Ezra, and Assistant Hannah Hong joined in on the fun at Project Youth OCBF’s 6th Annual Game Day Fundraiser, held at Advanced Depositions.

Berger Kahn Kicks Off the Holidays by Running in Santa Claus for a Cause 5K
To get into the holiday spirit, Berger Kahn Shareholder, Dave Ezra, Partner, Erin Ezra, and assistants, Hannah Hong and Jackie Lee, ran in the Santa Claus for a Cause 5K on Sunday, December 16th in Huntington Beach.

Berger Kahn Joins the 2018 PurpleStride OC 5K to End Pancreatic Cancer
On November 17, David Ezra, Erin Ezra, Kathleen Danna, Ian Kaplan, Patricia Contreras, Hannah Hong, and Alyssa Telles participated in the PurpleStride 5K, organized by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Berger Kahn Supports CRF-OC’s Youth Leadership Education Programs
Shareholder David Ezra and partner Erin Ezra attended the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County Annual Benefit on October 25th.

Berger Kahn Supports Alzheimer’s Orange County
On October 2, 2018, shareholder David Ezra, partner Erin Ezra, Alyssa Telles, and Hannah Hong attended a fundraiser benefiting Alzheimer’s Orange County and also celebrating the grand opening of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Irvine.

Shareholder Dave Ezra and Partner Erin Ezra Attend Judicate West Celebration
On June 7, 2018, Shareholder Dave Ezra and Partner Erin Ezra attended the Judicate West Open House celebrating Judicate West’s 25th anniversary and welcoming the newest additions to their roster of distinguished neutrals.

Project Youth Orange County Bar Foundation Rooftop Event Attended and Supported by Berger Kahn Shareholder Dave Ezra and Partner Erin (Mindoro) Ezra
In support of the programs and initiatives of the Project Youth Orange County Bar Foundation, OCBF Associate Board member and Berger Kahn Partner Erin Ezra, Shareholder Dave Ezra, along with Associate Ian Kaplan, Alyssa Telles, Hannah Hong and Rebecca Malkin joined the Bar Foundation for their 6th Annual Rooftop Brewfest Fundraiser.

Shareholder Dave Ezra and Partner Erin Ezra Attend Project Youth OCBF Annual Meeting
The 2017 Orange County Bar Foundation Society of Fellows Recognition Reception and Annual Meeting on December 13 awarded the Project Youth OCBF’s “Sammy” award, the Society of Fellows Distinguished Fellows award, and the Distinguished Judicial Fellows awards.

Shareholder Dave Ezra and Partner Erin Ezra Attend OCBF Fundraiser Event
In January 2018, Shareholder Dave Ezra and Partner Erin Ezra attended the Orange County Bar Foundation’s Game Day Fundraiser to help benefit the OCBF’s Youth Projects, a nonprofit organization committed to keeping at-risk youth in school, healthy and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening.

Dave and Erin Attend the 2017 Annual Benefit for Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County Auction, and Benefit Reception
IEach year the Constitutional Rights Foundation Orange County (CRF-OC) reaches nearly 8,500 Orange County students and adult volunteers through these five innovative, interactive and engaging educational programs.

Shareholder David Ezra and Partner Erin Mindoro Attend CRFOC Mock Trial Awards
On February 9, Dave and Erin attended the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County, Mock Trial Annual Awards Reception, with attorney Bryan Caforio as keynote speaker, winner of the 2000 Judge Henry Moor Outstanding Orator of the Year Award, and honoring Hon. Glenda Sanders, the Orange County Public Defender’s Office and more for their service in the community.

Constitutional Rights Foundation Orange County Welcomes David Ezra for Presentation on Miranda v. Arizona
Shareholder David Ezra gave a volunteer presentation for the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County on Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), a pivotal Supreme Court case ensuring a person’s right against self-incrimination and for an individual’s right to a defense attorney.

O.C. Bar Foundation Associate Board Summer Rooftop Event Attended and Supported by Berger Kahn
In support of the programs and initiatives of the O.C. Bar Foundation, OCBF Associate Board member and Berger Kahn Partner Erin Mindoro, along with Shareholder Dave Ezra, attorney Orlando Arellano, and legal secretary Pam Daubert joined the Bar Foundation for their summer rooftop event.

Shareholder David Ezra at Judicate West Charity Baseball Night for Inner City Law Center
Shareholder Dave Ezra supported the Inner City Law Center while enjoying a day at the ballpark thanks to Judicate West Foundation and their annual charity baseball night, at the Dodgers vs. Brewers game for a good cause.

Shareholder David Ezra and Principal Erin Mindoro Run 5K at O.C. Marathon for O.C. Bar Foundation
The Orange County Bar Foundation proudly included Shareholder David Ezra and Partner Erin Mindoro among their charity team at the O.C. Marathon, culminating in the Wahoo’s 5K run.

Shareholder David Ezra and Principal Erin Mindoro Attend Bar Foundation Event in Support of Empowering Youth
Shareholder David Ezra and Principal Erin Mindoro attended the O.C. Bar Foundation “Game Day Fundraiser” on behalf of Berger Kahn, enjoying football, food, games and raffle prizes all in support of the nonprofit organization where Erin serves on the Associate Board.

Principals David Ezra and Erin Mindoro Attend O.C. Bar Foundation Society of Fellow Recognition Reception and Installation Dinner
Principals David Ezra and Erin Mindoro attended the O.C. Bar Foundation Society of Fellow Recognition Reception and Installation Dinner recognizing those who made the important work of the Bar Foundation possible throughout the year.

Berger Kahn Supports Arts, Access to Justice and Safer Children and Families
In the effort to support the community, Berger Kahn has been able to give in-kind donations to nonprofit partners who make our community strong.

O.C. Bar Foundation Event Sponsored by Berger Kahn
In support of the programs and initiatives of the O.C. Bar Foundation, Associate Board member attorney Erin Mindoro, along with Principal Dave Ezra and attorney Orlando Arellano joined the Bar Foundation for their summer rooftop event.

Berger Kahn at the Constitutional Rights Foundation Annual Benefit
Partner Dave Ezra and Attorneys Erin Mindoro and Zach Rutman joined the Constitutional Rights Foundation to celebrate 33 years of service to Orange County youth, recognize the outstanding legal leadership, and raise awareness of the CRF’s work promoting civic literacy and youth leadership.

Berger Kahn Attorneys Attend Judicate West “Suite Night of Baseball” Supporting Inner City Law Center’s Homeless Veterans Program, Sept. 18
Shareholder David Ezra and attorney Erin Mindoro attended the Judicate West “Suite Night of Baseball” event supporting Inner City Law Center’s Homeless Veterans Program.

Berger Kahn Attends OC Bar Foundation Associate Board Event Supporting Youth Safety, Health and Education
Shareholder Dave Ezra, and attorneys Erin Mindoro and Zach Rutman attended the O.C. Bar Foundation Associate Board’s premier annual event, benefiting youth safety, health and education programs of the Orange County Bar Foundation.

A Law Corporation

EDUCATION

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

MEMBERSHIPS

DISTINCTIONS

RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE

REPRESENTATIVE MATTER

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT