Passionate, focused and untiring are the qualities Dave Carothers brings to the courtroom when defending claims brought against his clients.  Carothers is an experienced trial attorney having tried more than 60 cases to verdict in jurisdictions throughout California.

He has successfully defended employers in more than 40 jury trials against claims of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, ADA, wage and hour violations and discrimination.  Carothers has defended clients as lead trial counsel in large complex actions involving representative actions, class actions and coordinated actions involving hundreds of claimants.

Carothers has been a longtime member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization with a membership comprised of plaintiff and defense attorneys and members of the judiciary.  Carothers is frequently invited to address the group as a speaker on issues related to trials of employment matters, employment law and diversity in the workplace.

Drawing upon his trial experience, Carothers advises management teams on how to be proactive, execute preventive strategies in the human resources area, and achieve positive and productive work place environments.  His clients include educational institutions, national retail chains, religious institutions, hospitality, banking and technology companies.

Education

University of Southern California Law Center, J.D., 1985

National Labor Relations Board, Region 31, Law Clerk, 1983

California State University, Dominguez Hills, B.A., Public Administration, 1982

Written Opinions

Higgins v. Maher, 210 Cal.App.3d 1168, 258 Cal.Rptr.2d 763 (May 1989)

First Amendment right of Catholic bishop to make ecclesiastical based employment decisions

Publications

"Avoiding Legal Traps Involving Employment References," San Diego Commerce, 1997

Professional Affiliations / Leadership / Awards

Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated

Best Lawyers, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2013 (awarded 2012)

San Diego Super Lawyers, 2012

Commissioner to the Fair Employment and Housing Commission

• Appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, November 2008

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), 2005-present

Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, 1999-present  

 San Diego County Bar Association, Diversity Fellowship Program

• Committee member and founding Participant

Continuing Education of the Bar's CEB Annual Employment Law Update  

• Frequent lecturer on litigation-related topics

Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP

• Executive committee since 2001
• San Diego office managing partner

Civic Activities

Past Board Memberships:

• Mercy Hospital's Finance Committee
• Inner-City Games Foundation
• Neighborhood House Association
• San Diego Police Review Board

Pro Bono

Provide ongoing counsel to Inner-City Games Foundation