David C. Codell

David Codell's law practice focuses on entertainment litigation, commercial litigation, and constitutional and appellate litigation. Representing clients in state and federal courts, both at the trial-court and appellate level, Mr. Codell has secured numerous precedent-setting victories.

Mr. Codell has represented major clients in the television, motion picture, recording, and advertising industries in disputes concerning the First Amendment, copyright law, antipiracy and internet issues, idea origination, defamation, rights of publicity, talent contracts, profit participation, employment discrimination, and insurance. Mr. Codell also has represented corporate officers and directors in many securities lawsuits, including class actions, and he has handled a wide variety of appellate matters.

Mr. Codell received his bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Harvard College, and his J.D. degree magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was a Supreme Court Editor of the Harvard Law Review.  Mr. Codell served as a law clerk for Judge David S. Tatel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and as a law clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Professional Achievements

   * Southern California Super Lawyer (limited to 5% of the attorneys in the region) for seven consecutive years (2006-2012)
   * Liberty Award, presented by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund (2008)
   * Coalition for Justice Award, presented by the ACLU of Southern California (2008)
   * Lawyer of the Year, presented by the Orange County Equality Coalition (2008)
   * Equality Advocate Award, presented by Equality California (2006)
   * LGBT Advocacy Award, presented by the ACLU of Southern California (2006)
   * Gay and Lesbian Leadership Award, presented by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund (2005)
   * Defender of Democracy Award, presented by People for the American Way (2000)