David Strauss, Esq.
Contact Case Manager Download CV
With over 40 years of case selection and litigation experience, David Strauss has developed a keen ability to identify the true strengths and weaknesses of employment cases. His mediation approach is candid, analytical, and grounded in real-world risk assessment. David provides direct, honest evaluations that help parties realistically assess their positions and move toward true resolution.
David started his legal career in Washington, D.C. working as a staff attorney for the Interstate Commerce Commission regulating trucks and trains. He also served as a Special Assistant U.S, Attorney in Washington, D.C. where he prosecuted criminal jury trials and involved himself in all aspects of the district attorney function.
In 1984, David returned to Southern California and litigated civil cases related to the banking industry. Shortly thereafter, David joined a preeminent San Diego plaintiff’s employment firm which served as a foundation for a 40-year career representing plaintiffs in employment matters. David has litigated employment cases of all types including numerous jury trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
Throughout his career, employment defense lawyers have asked David to mediate cases due to his ability to accurately and fairly assess both sides of an employment dispute. David has successfully mediated employment cases over his career and exhibits the integrity and dispassion that is integral to successfully obtaining resolution.
RATES:
Half day – $4,000 flat rate: includes two hours of preparation and 4 hours of mediation time; $700 per hour thereafter, in ½ hour increments
Full day – $8,000 flat rate: includes two hours of preparation and 8 hours of mediation time; $700 per hour thereafter, in ½ hour increments
$450 administrative fee per party
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
- Wrongful Termination
- Breach of Contract
- Employment Discrimination: Race, Gender, Religion, Ethnicity, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Pregnancy, National Origin, Military
- Harassment/Sexual Harassment
- ADA, CFRA/FMLA
- Disability Accommodation
- Whistleblower
- Qui Tam
- Unruh Act
- Retaliation
- Severance Claims
- Leaves of Absence
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
- State Bar of California (1981 – current)
- Welsh Inn of Court (2006 – 2018)
- American Inns of Court (1996, 1997)
- Enright Inn of Court (1991 – 1994)
- California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA (1980 JD)
- University of Iowa – BA Sociology (1976)
- University of Lancaster, Lancaster, England (1974 – 1975)
- California Employment Lawyers Association
- National Employment Lawyers Association
- San Diego County Bar
Representative Lectures:
- California State Bar Public Sector (2015)
- ABA Mediation and Advocacy Skills Training, San Diego, CA (2011)
- ALFA International Labor & Employment Practice Group Seminar (2010)
- The Rutter Group, Disability Discrimination Seminar (1999, 2001)
- San Diego County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Seminar (1993)
- San Diego County Bar Association, Corporate Law Department Seminar (1993)
- San Diego Lawyers Club Seminar on Sexual Harassment (1992, 1993)
- National Employment Lawyers Association/California Employment Lawyers Association Conference (1992)
- National Litigation Conference of the Law Education Institute and The Bureau of National Affairs (1990)
- California Trial Lawyers Association (1989, 1990)
- Continuing Education of the Bar, Employment Law (1988 – 1994, 1996 – 2002)
AWARDS:
- Member, California Western Law Review, 1979-1980. Author: Vicarious Municipal Liability; Local Government Violations of Civil Rights, California Western Law Review, Vol. 16:1, 1980 Scriba Regis
- Lead Articles Editor California Western Law Review 1980
- Named Outstanding Trial Lawyer by San Diego Trial Lawyers Association, 1993, March and May 1996
HOBBIES & INTERESTS:
David is an avid swimmer and mediocre golfer and spends some his free time doing both. Nothing is better than spending time with his three grandchildren.