David Olan, Esq.
Partner, Attorney At Law
From the waves of Malibu to the courtrooms of Southern California, David Olan has built a career defined by perseverance and results. As a founding partner and trial attorney at Olan Law, he represents individuals and families in serious personal injury, wrongful death, and employment cases throughout Southern California, bringing more than 35 years of trial experience to every matter he handles.
David has tried more than 50 Superior Court cases and handled over 100 arbitrations, achieving numerous seven-figure verdicts and settlements and recovering over $100 million in wildfire-related claims. Known for his persistence and tenacity, he is committed to holding insurance companies and employers accountable with a relentless focus on maximizing client recovery.
He is a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and has been named a “Super Lawyer” by Los Angeles Magazine in Plaintiff’s Personal Injury every year since 2007. He has also been recognized multiple times among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Southern California. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected to Best Lawyers in America annually since 2011.
David earned his B.S. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. During law school, he studied at the University of Salzburg in Austria and received honors in Moot Court and the International Law Society.
Beyond litigation, David is deeply engaged in the legal and civic community, having served on the board of the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles and Consumer Attorneys of California, and served as President of the Santa Monica Bar Association.
Supported by a skilled team of attorneys, experts, and staff, David approaches every case with a clear philosophy: thorough preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a commitment to pursuing justice without compromise.
A lifelong athlete and outdoor enthusiast, David brings the same discipline to his personal life that he brings to his practice. He is an avid surfer and environmental advocate and founded the Association of Surfing Lawyers, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting oceans and coastal environments. He also holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate, reflecting his focus, discipline, and determination.
David resides in Malibu, California, where he surfs daily – when the waves allow. He rescues and fosters cats and dogs, enjoys extensive travel, and regularly visits his son, who is studying in Paris, France
Legal Recognition
Personal injury attorney David Olan is recognized by the legal community for his expertise and his skill:
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Best Lawyers of America, 2011 – 2025
- Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report, 2014 – 2019
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2014 – 2019
- Southern California Super Lawyers, 2007 – 2019
- Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers, 2012, 2013, 2016 – 2019
- AV-Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- 10/10 Avvo Rating
David considers one of the the highest compliments to be how often he is referred cases by other California leading attorneys. After all, the best attorneys only refer to the best.
Legal Background
David Olan knew he wanted to be an attorney by the age of five. He grew up in his father’s law office. A New York personal injury attorney who moved to Los Angeles before David was born, David learned the family business early.
His formal education includes:
- University of California at Los Angeles, B.S. in political science with an emphasis on international relations, 1985.
- Studied at the University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria, junior year.
- University of San Diego School of Law, Juris doctorate, 1989.
- Honors from the Moot Court
- International Law Society
- California Coastal Commission, intern
- California State Bar, 1989
Professional Participation
David Olan is an involved and active member of the legal community. In addition to publishing and speaking on litigation matters, David Olan is associated with the:
- Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles,
- Board of Governors, 1997 – 2004
- Consumer Attorneys of California, Board of Governors, 1998
- Santa Monica Bar Association, 2013 President
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- Association of Surfing Lawyers, founder
- American Association of Justice
- Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
- Western Trial Lawyers Association
- California State Bar
Community Involvement
David Olan is as involved in the community as he is in every other part of his life. He blends his passion for the environment with his commitment to making the world a better place by standing up for people who have been wrongfully injured.