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 Associate on 05/10/17 in Contractors Liability

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

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

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

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

    David is an exceptional lawyer. He is pragmatic, creative and tough when he needs to be. An excellent negotiator.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Senior Associate on 05/10/17 in Construction Defects

    As the counsel for a well-know General Contractor, I worked with David closely, as he was the counsel for a large developer, and our clients had both been sued in a multi-million dollar case. David was knowledgeable, professional, and worked with me... Read more

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

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/10/17 in Contractors Liability

    Dave Webster is ns the top echelon of attorneys I have encountered in my career.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 05/10/17 in Construction Defects

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

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Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Client Reviews Write a Review

Location

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Contact Information:

www.wshblaw.com

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