David G. Hagopian has more than two decades of experience successfully advancing the goals of both business clients and employers. 

The complex business litigation matters he typically tries and litigates cover the full range of business torts.  These include fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, interference, conversion, declaratory relief, as well as claims for unfair competition, consumer remedies, breach of contract and implied covenant and rescission.  In addition, he litigates claims based on securities and other investments, failed business deals, commercial landlord-tenant disputes and other real estate deals, and insurance coverage.

Hagopian’s representation of employers extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, and when necessary, he tries cases on their behalf.  He regularly litigates claims for wage and hour violations, unfair competition, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, breach of contract and implied covenant, defamation, invasion of privacy, and misappropriation of trade secrets. 

In his preventative and advisory counsel to Southern California employers, he has counseled boards of directors on non-litigious separation strategies and conducted workplace investigations that resolved employment claims in their nascent stages.  He regularly reviews employer policies and procedures, recommends best employment practices, counsels employers and assists employers with separation agreements.

Hagopian received his law degree from the University of Southern California where he also taught legal research and writing.  While an undergraduate at University of California, Irvine, he received numerous intercollegiate speech and debate awards including four national rankings.  He is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on a wide variety of legal and cultural issues.

Education

University of Southern California, J.D., 1989
    Order of the Coif

University of California, Irvine B.A., magna cum laude, History; Minor Classical Greek, 1985
    Phi Beta Kappa Society
    Distinguished Student Scholar
    Commencement Speaker
    University Scholar

Written Opinions

YTY Industry Sdn. Bhd. v. Dow Chemical Company 2008 WL 4184649 (C.D. Cal. August 29, 2008)

First State Ins. Co. v. Superior Court 79 Cal.App.4th 324, 94 Cal.Rptr.2d 104 (2000)

Rohr Industries, Inc. v. First State Ins. Co. 59 Cal.App.4th 1480, 69 Cal.Rptr.2d 872 (1997)

California State Electronics Assn. v. Zeos International Ltd. 41 Cal.App.4th 1270, 49 Cal.Rptr.2d 127 (1996)

Professional Affiliations / Leadership / Awards

YTY Industry Sdn. Bhd. v. Dow Chemical Company 2008 WL 4184649 (C.D. Cal. August 29, 2008)

First State Ins. Co. v. Superior Court 79 Cal.App.4th 324, 94 Cal.Rptr.2d 104 (2000)

Rohr Industries, Inc. v. First State Ins. Co.59 Cal.App.4th 1480, 69 Cal.Rptr.2d 872 (1997)

California State Electronics Assn. v. Zeos International Ltd. 41 Cal.App.4th 1270, 49 Cal.Rptr.2d 127 (1996)

Civic Activities

Extensive community participation in various civic and nonprofit organizations.  These include serving on steering committees, boards, refocusing committees, and/or officer selection committees of three California nonprofit religious corporations.

Pro Bono

Represented International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in investment litigation brought by former members

Represented Bay Area Rescue Mission and advised board of directors regarding separation of former officer and other high-ranking employee