David Chao is a Special Counsel in the Firm’s Los Angeles office and a member of the Litigation practice group and White Collar and Investigations team.  A seasoned trial lawyer with nearly 15 years of experience litigating criminal and civil matters, David helps companies and executives navigate high stakes proceedings, including government investigations, criminal prosecutions, and civil enforcement actions.  He also has experience handling complex business disputes, including whistleblower lawsuits with parallel proceedings, and managing sensitive internal investigations.

Prior to returning to private practice, David spent more than seven years as a federal prosecutor in the Central District of California.  During this time, he served in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he was the Procurement Fraud Coordinator as well as a deputy chief in the General Crimes Section.  David prosecuted and investigated cases involving healthcare fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and securities fraud, including the largest Ponzi scheme in Hollywood history.  David has significant trial experience, including a three-month health care fraud jury trial involving more than $120 million in insurance claims.

David is also an experienced appellate advocate, having handled appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the California Court of Appeals.  Before entering private practice, David served as a law clerk for the Honorable Richard A. Paez and the Honorable Dorothy W. Nelson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, as well as the Honorable Stephen V. Wilson of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Professional Involvement

• Treasurer, Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association