Biography

David Mesa concentrates his practice in the Products Liability group, working on the defense of automobile, medical device and consumer product manufacturers in multiple state jurisdictions.  He participates in all phases of the litigation, including developing case strategy, deposing witnesses, arguing motions, working with experts and preparing cases for trial.  In addition, Mr. Mesa is part of the Retail & Fashion Industry group representing retailers in litigation and counseling clients in compliance with state and local laws, regulations, and agency mandates.  He also represents management in employment litigation matters.

Litigation Matters

• Prepared a successful motion for a directed verdict on a punitive damages claim against a manufacturer of electrosurgical devices.  
• Participated in a trial team that obtained a defense verdict in a case where Plaintiff sought $27 million dollars in damages against a manufacturer of electrosurgical devices.
• Prepared winning summary judgment motion on behalf of an automobile manufacturer in an SUV roll-over case.

Publications and Presentations

• “How to Effectively Take and Successfully Defend Depositions: Tips & Tricks from Real Litigators,” CLE Course, Speaker (April 2013).
• “How to Succeed in OCI: Strategies from Sedgwick Attorneys,” University of San Francisco School of Law, Speaker (April 2013).
• “Reaching Monumental Heights as a Filipino-American Attorney,” Filipino Bar Association of Northern California Panel, Moderator (April 2013).
• “Big Firm” Panel, 4th Annual Legally Asian Conference, Panelist (February 2013).
• “What You Need to Know About the Changes to California’s Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Regulations,” Retail Industry Alert (December 2012).
• “Paper or Plastic?  California Leading the Trend on Plastic Bag Bans,” Retail Roundtable (December 2012).
• “An Evening with Asian-American Judges,” Filipino Bar Association of Northern California Panel, Welcome Remarks (April 2012).
• "Asians in the Library and Elephants in the Closet: Social and Legal Implications of a UCLA Student's Anti-Asian Rant on You Tube," Diversity Series CLE Course, Panelist (May 2011).
• "Unique Perspectives on Diversity in the Legal Profession," Filipino Bar Association of Northern California Panel, Welcome Remarks (March 2011).
• "Diversity: Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk, University of San Francisco School of Law's Third Annual Diversity Reception, Alumni Speaker (February 2011).
• "Arbitration Clause Must Be Perfect To Be Enforceable," California Employment Law Letter (November 2010).
• “Managing Life Science Risks and Opportunities From Social Media,” Berkley Life Science Policy Webinar (November 2010).
• “Medical Device Companies' Concerns About Social Media Remain Justified,” Medical Device Law Update (September 15, 2010).
• “Getting A Clean Safety Record Into Evidence In California,” Product Liability Law 360 (August 2009).

Affiliations, Activities and Accomplishments

Mr. Mesa is the President of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California for the 2012-2013 term.  Before serving as President, he served a term as Vice President and two terms as Treasurer of the organization.  Mr. Mesa is also a member of the American Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, USF American Inn of Court, Korean American Bar Association of Northern California, Minority Bar Coalition and California Minority Counsel Program.

During law school, Mr. Mesa served as the Moot Court Board’s Advocacy Director and Treasurer of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.  He was the recipient of many awards and scholarships, including, the CALI Award for Excellence in Legal Research & Writing, Filipino Bar Association of Northern California Legal Scholarship and Moot Court Best Brief Award.  He was also a member of the McAuliffe Honor Society throughout his law school career.

At Sedgwick, Mr. Mesa is an active member of the Firm’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee and Asian American Affinity Group.  In 2012, he received recognition and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Firm for his diversity efforts.  He is also co-chair of the Firm’s Building Blocks of Business Program, a training program designed to teach associates marketing and business development skills.