Introduction
During Judge David De Alba’s 21 years on the Sacramento Superior Court, he gained a statewide reputation for flexibility and fairness. In addition to serving as a Presiding Judge, he has sat in the probate, criminal, and civil trial courts and complex and settlement conference departments. In general civil, he presided and settled cases including but not limited to lemon law, personal injury, TBI injuries, and real estate matters. In complex civil, he presided over hundreds of claims involving wage and hour, mass torts, employment, and many other class actions.
Prior to being appointed, he was an attorney at the Office of the Attorney General defending the state in personal injury, civil rights violations, wrongful death, and inverse condemnation lawsuits. Most notably, he defended the State of California in hundreds of lawsuits alleging inverse condemnation as a result of the historic 1986 floods in Northern California. Having spent his 43-year legal career in the Capital City, he tried and settled cases with lawyers from all over California; there is not much he hasn’t seen over the course of his career.
Judge De Alba has been involved with many organizations and bar groups for dozens of years and is greatly admired by lawyers and the community at large. Many comment on how he always gives of himself and “he is the type of guy, you want to go to a baseball game with.” Judge De Alba said, “I was fortunate to have gained a broad and extensive experience both as a trial judge and settlement conference judge. My most rewarding days were when I was able to help litigants settle cases- I am here to listen and help!”
Practice Areas
Experience Summary
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. David De Alba, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
Read More
Hobbies & Interests
Judge De Alba enjoys swimming, reading, politics, and exploring the California coasts! His parents were born in Mexico, and he is fluent in Spanish. The eldest of six, Judge De Alba and his siblings were all born and raised in Northern California.
Testimonials
"Judge De Alba is an avid intellect with a penchant for justice who is willing to go the extra mile to reach the right result."
- Civil Trial Attorney and California Super Lawyer 2022
"Thank you to Judge De Alba for his time and effort in settling our case. He did a terrific job and I look forward to working with him again."
- Shareholder at a Top Firm and Northern California Super Lawyer
"Thank you, Judge. Your help was invaluable in settling the case."
- Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General
"Judge De Alba was personable, knowledgeable about the facts and law, and provided good insight."
- Trial Attorney With Over Two Decades of Experience
"Having tried and handled many cases throughout the entire state, I can easily say that Judge DeAlba is one of the best; He is the most prepared and knowledgeable jurist I have appeared before. He understands the law and has the ability to break down complex cases so that each side understands their strengths and weaknesses. In past settlement conferences, this has served him well in bringing the parties together."
- Civil Rights and Employment Trial Attorney and Former President of ABOTA, Sacramento Valley Chapter
Links and Articles
