J. David Bournazian
J. David Bournazian
Biography
J. David Bournazian combines thoughtful legal analysis and strategy with an aggressive but practical approach to highly intricate disputes and business negotiations. A trial litigator and trusted advisor, he is a fierce advocate for clients facing issues at the intersection of law, business and innovation.
David represents national and international clients, including well-known and publicly traded companies, in the retail, energy, construction, consumer goods, insurance and automotive industries. A first-chair trial lawyer, David has extensive experience in class actions and individual cases involving consumer products, employment claims, tort claims and more. His complex commercial litigation practice is focused on business, real estate, construction and insurance disputes as well as ADA challenges.
David has obtained significant Proposition 65 victories for major retailers in settlements and at the trial level. He has also been the driving force behind international changes to policies and created novel business practices for retail clients.
In addition, David has developed a particular proficiency handling complex negotiations and disputes involving commercial construction projects. In the energy, real estate and construction realm, David effectively litigates for owners and contractors on construction contracts, negotiations, AIA documents, issues related to school construction as well as lawsuits and claims by contractors and subcontractors. He is also experienced in responding to public record requests, handling insurance coverage and claims to make certain clients are additional insureds, advising on liquidated damages and completion claims, providing counsel to boards and advising on labor and employment matters.
David is also a leader in the insurance coverage field and has implemented innovative legal strategies in the insurance realm for decades as well as spanning the ever-increasing range of liabilities and losses. David has taken to trial and summary judgment numerous coverage and bad faith cases, and has obtained publicized victories for his clients.
Earlier in his career, David served as general counsel for a world-renowned architecture firm and for a Fortune 100 international retail and accessories company. He also performed Executive Branch financial management and accounting duties while working in The White House during President George H.W. Bush’s administration.
David is admitted to practice before United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the United States District Courts for the Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California as well as the District of Colorado.
Professional experience
Representative experience
Representative experience
- Representation of major multinational retailer in claims involving offshore insurance policies and bonds, with recovery achieved for the client in the multi-millions.
- Litigation in favor of major multinational retailer for claims on development and expansion projects.
- Successful recovery in favor of major multinational retailer on national solar and energy issues against an automative and clean energy company.
- Represented the owner of the expansion of the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 2 at the Los Angeles International Airport, including contract negotiations, payment and performance bond claims, and obtaining project completion and recovery after a contractor defaulted.
- Obtained a large coverage dispute recovery as trial commenced.
- Successfully represented a major multinational retailer in several ADA cases that resulted in the dismissal of Unruh claims granted in favor of the client.
- Represented a major multinational retailer in multiple cases that resulted in summary judgment and winning costs granted in favor of the client.
- Publicized win in on Anti-SLAPP issues in binding decision at 50 Cal.App.5th 920, 263 Cal.Rptr.3d 892.
- Significant published victory in on the scope of arbitration agreements found at 155 F.Supp.3d 1042, Case No. SACV 15-1678 AG (JCGx).
- Obtained summary judgment for major retailer at 2020 WL 3881604, Case No. EDCV 19-238 JGB (SPx) that resulted in a full defense award and client winning costs.
- Represented and won trial for Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and class action claims involving defects in vehicles and obtained outstanding results for United States-based manufacturer with European-made component parts.
- Obtained defense award in internationally publicized fraud and discrimination case involving a Japan-based international entity.
- Negotiated design development agreement for new landmark museum in Paris, France.
- Obtained multimillion-dollar result in an intellectual property case involving application of foreign law.
- Negotiated licensing agreement for US$400 million professional sports arena.
- Oversaw national claims and represented energy designers and developers in a publicized solar dispute.
Education
Education
- JD, University of San Diego School of Law, 1996
- BA, Rutgers University, 1991
Admissions
Admissions
- California State Bar
Publications
Publications
- Quoted, “Court Won't Pare Down Plumber's Insurance Bad Faith Suit,” Law360, May 2020
Memberships and activities
Memberships and activities
- Orange County Bar Association, Insurance Law Section
- Secretary, 2024
- President Elect, 2025
- American Bar Association
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers
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