Education

Law School/Year: Loyola Law School, 1994

College/Year: University of Southern California, 1991

Bar Admissions

California; U.S. District Court, Central and Southern Districts of California; U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

Practice Areas

Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Insurance, Legal Malpractice, Personal Injury & Property Damage

Major Cases

Dave Peck believes “every case is a ‘major case’ for the litigants.” He typically lets his track record, including a remarkable string of jury trial victories, speak for itself. In 2009, Peck successfully defended an injury case in which the two plaintiffs sought combined damages of nearly $2 million. Following a two-week trial, the jury awarded a total of $1,500, which was more than $40,000 less than pre-trial settlement offers.

2009 also saw Peck defending a resort operator in a multimillion-dollar shareholder’s derivative action, which settled following a 2 1/2 month bench trial.

Professional Background

After more than a decade of large firm practice, including several years as partner at Manning & Marder, Peck joined Coast Law Group in 2006. The firm’s size and location suits him to a tee. “Working in a 12 attorney firm is ideal,” he says. “We offer a remarkably diverse array of legal services, yet we are like a big family. Having an office just 200 yards from Swami’s (the famed North County surf break) is simply icing on the cake.” Peck and his partners can often be found slipping out the office door, surfboards tucked under arms, for an afternoon “board meeting.”

Professional Affiliations

Peck is a frequent lecturer on emerging litigation trends. His resume includes featured speaking engagements at the annual conferences of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) and the Southern California Fraud Investigator's Association (SCFIA). Peck has also served as legal counsel for the San Diego and Los Angeles chapters of IASIU.

Personal Affiliations

Peck and his firm are supporters of numerous community and environment-focused organizations including Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF), San Diego Coastkeeper and the Center for Community Solutions (CCS). Coast Law Group (CLG) is the largest law firm member of One Percent for the Planet, a nonprofit started by Yvon Chouinard, the legendary outdoor enthusiast and founder of Patagonia Inc. Through this organization, CLG donates 1 percent of its annual gross revenues to sponsored environmental groups.

Personal Background

Known for both his tenacity and disarming sense of humor, Peck relishes the opportunity to win for his clients while maintaining the respect of his colleagues. “Success is not measured solely in terms of the end result,” Peck says. “The process is equally important. That means being able to shake opposing counsel’s hand with sincerity once the dust has settled.”

To relieve the stresses of litigation practice, Peck takes to the waves. “Surfing provides a perfect combination of exercise and mental release in the most beautiful environment. Nothing beats yanking off the suit and tie to go slide waves.”