David Stephen Webster

David Stephen Webster: Attorney with Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating
About Attorney Awards

Biography

An accomplished trial attorney, David Webster specializes in complex civil litigation with a focus on construction defect, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death actions. He has represented a wide range of individuals, including developers, design professionals, and contractors. David’s cases have included multi-million dollar claims involving multiple parties. In a rare construction defect trial, David obtained a defense verdict for our client against all claims, including fraud. He has also successfully represented product manufacturers, motor carriers, and their drivers, in accidents involving serious injury and death. His practice extends to catastrophic injury matters, defending contractors, public entities, common carriers, commercial businesses, and individuals. Many of his injury suits have involved claims of environmental and toxic exposure. David routinely provides insurance coverage analysis and advice, and represents insurance clients in related suits. David holds an unparalleled record of successful verdicts in closely watched, high-exposure matters. He also holds a tremendous record of success in binding arbitrations, and before the appellate court.

Newsroom

News

•New Defined Equity Partners Celebrated at WSHB as 2023 Begins
Firm News, 1.9.23
•Sunsetting of Emergency Rule to Extend Time to Bring a Civil Action To Trials Spurs Confusion
Coronavirus Resources, 4.11.22

Publications

•Appellate Ruling Reins in Bad Faith Set-Up Traps; Factfinder to Decide Enforceability of Policy Limits Settlement
Case Updates, 9.8.25
•Safetyism is a Danger to the Legal System: Thoughts From A Trial Lawyer
Article, 5.26.23
•Defense Expert Improperly Excluded; Appellate Court Clarifies Burden of Proof
Article, 6.21.22

In the News

•Appellate Ruling Reins in Bad Faith Set-Up Traps; Factfinder to Decide Enforceability of Policy Limits Settlement
•Jury Denies Nuclear Claim in Dog Bite Lawsuit
•WSHB Secures Landmark Victory in Published Appellate Decision
•Safetyism is a Danger to the Legal System: Thoughts From A Trial Lawyer

Honors & Recognitions

•AV Preeminent Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell

See more ›

Areas of Practice (8)

  • Appellate
  • Construction
  • Environmental
  • Complex Tort and Casualty
  • Mass Torts and Class-Action Defense
  • Product Liability
  • Property Management and Tenant Litigation
  • Transportation

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
California State University, Chico, B.S., Political Science, 1987
Law School Attended:
University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., 1991
Year of First Admission:
1991
Admission:
1991, California; 1991, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California; 1991, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Reported Cases:
Experience: Western Heritage Insurance Company v. Frances Todd, RG14742991, A152428; Belo v. Ballyhallinan, San Francisco County, CGC-16-552777; Catino v. A/G Farms, MCV070882; Corvin v. Corvin, 110CV189732; Griggs v. Arriola, 255248; Paulson v. Johnson, CV 181544; Hansen v. East Bay Floorcovering, RG15765238; Livingstone v. The Bridges Golf Club, C12-02356; City of Newark v. W.A. Thomas, RG07343608; Sumpter v. Clark, SL009943; Plummer v. Far West Associates, C98-00328; Lake Merritt Plaza v. HOK Architects; Jury Denies Nuclear Claim in Dog Bite Lawsuit; 5.19.25; WSHB Secures Landmark Victory in Published Appellate Decision; 8.11.23; Published Appellate Opinion Upholding Summary Judgment in Favor of Commercial Tenant Against $3.5M Subrogation Suit; 7.24.19; Defense Summary Judgment in Favor of Defendant Northern California City Against $4M Wrongful Death Suit; 4.26.18; Defense Summary Judgment in Favor of Commercial Tenant Against $3.5M Subrogation Suit; 10.24.17; Jury Rejects $1.4 Million+ Demand by Plaintiff: 12-0 Verdict for Defense; 11.20.15
ISLN:
900975477

Peer Reviews

4.9/5.0 (25 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating Badge

  • Legal Knowledge

    5.0/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    5.0/5.0

  • Judgment

    5.0/5.0

  • Communication

    5.0/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.8/5.0

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/22/17 in Construction Defects

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/22/17 in Construction Defects

    I have worked representing co-defendants with Dave and in cases against him for many years. My responses above are based on these many years of working on the same litigations.

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 05/18/17 in Civil Litigation

    Excellent lawyer and advocate who maintains highest professional and ethical standards.

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/11/17 in Personal Injury Defense

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/11/17 in Construction Defects

    Excellent attorney.

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Sole Practitioner on 05/10/17 in Construction Defects

    David Webster was very professional in my extensive dealings with him in a very long and complicated construction defect case. I trust David as a professional, colleague, and a friend, and am happy to give him an AV 5 rating. Todd Wenzel

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 05/10/17 in Personal Injury Defense

    Mr. Webster is a true gentleman, a man of his word, a fierce competitor and a worthy opponent. He is very prepared, punctual and polished. He is an outstanding litigator with an 'old school" approach. I would not hesitate one bit to send a clien... Read more

    Read more
    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/10/17 in Commercial Litigation

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 05/10/17 in Wrongful Death

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 05/10/17 in Personal Injury Defense

    Flag review
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Client Reviews Write a Review

Location

Contact David Stephen Webster

Contact Information:

www.wshblaw.com

Required Fields

Required Fields

Clear All Fields

By clicking on the "Submit" button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Martindale and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.