David works with attorneys and their clients on comprehensive financial planning using attorney fee and plaintiff deferral options, including traditional structured settlements, to maximize after tax returns. His work focuses primarily on employment, class action, and other taxable settlements. With more than 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney and expertise in taxation of damages, accounting, finance, and real estate, David brings distinctive value to plaintiffs’ attorneys throughout the settlement process.
David is often asked to consult on Qualified Settlement Funds, proper W2 allocations, above the line and below the line tax deductions, and whether the facts support a partial tax free allocation in employment and other taxable cases. He is also at the forefront of tax deferred attorney fee structures that combine flexible investment options, including private equity, private placements, and real estate allocations, with access to borrowing strategies.
Before joining Sage, David practiced personal injury and employment trial law, including work with David deRubertis and the deRubertis Law Firm. He holds a BS in Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, an MBA from Loyola Marymount University, and a JD from Loyola Law School, where he received a Faculty Academic Honors scholarship and belonged to the St. Thomas More Law Honors Society. David lives in Westlake Village with his wife and three children.
