April 24, 2025

Horvitz & Levy is proud to announce that David S. Ettinger has been inducted into the Appellate Lawyer Hall of Fame, recognizing his four decades of uncompromising excellence and exceptional achievement in appellate advocacy.

Mr. Ettinger's distinguished career began after graduating cum laude from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles in 1980 and clerking for Presiding Justice Margaret J. Morris on the California Court of Appeal. Since joining Horvitz & Levy in 1982, he has briefed and argued many notable appeals, including more than a dozen arguments before the California Supreme Court. His significant victories include Guardianship of Saul H. (2022), Dhillon v. John Muir Health (2017), Transbay Auto Service, Inc. v. Chevron USA Inc. (2015), Silverbrand v. County of Los Angeles (2009), and Lisa M. v. Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hosp. (1995). Through these cases and others, Mr. Ettinger has shaped California law across diverse practice areas while demonstrating unwavering commitment to the appellate process.

At the invitation of Chief Justice Ronald George, Mr. Ettinger served two terms on the Appellate Advisory Committee for the Judicial Council of California. He was also a member of the Appellate Rules Revision Project Task Force at Justice Joyce Kennard's invitation, which led the first comprehensive revision of the California Rules of Court on appeals in almost 60 years. As the primary writer for the widely respected At The Lectern blog covering the California Supreme Court, Mr. Ettinger provides analysis that has been described as "highly respected" by the Washington Post and "authoritative" by the Daily Journal.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ettinger has demonstrated exceptional commitment to pro bono service, particularly in child and family matters. Working with organizations such as the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, Public Counsel, and the Alliance for Children's Rights, he has expanded access to justice for vulnerable populations. His dedication extends to public education through the Teach Democracy program, which helps high school students learn about the appellate process through courtroom visits and educational sessions. Mr. Ettinger also successfully challenged court fees for mandatory custody mediation and rules barring nonlawyer adults from serving as guardians ad litem for their own children.

Mr. Ettinger's induction into the Hall of Fame adds to his numerous accolades, including recognition as a Super Lawyer from 2005-2006 and 2009-2020, listings in Best Lawyers in America, and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has received California Lawyer magazine's Angel Award (2007), the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law's Community Service Award (2010), LACBA's Pamela E. Dunn Appellate Justice Award (2012), and was part of the team that received the California Lawyer of the Year Award (CLAY) for the Saul H. case. He has also served as president of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers and as a lecturer in the Appellate Litigation Clinic at the University of California, Irvine School of Law.

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