David Samuels

Mediator

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“This transition to mediation is a natural next step in my career. I am passionate about helping parties find common ground and resolution while avoiding the cost, time, and stress that often accompanies trial. I am especially excited to bring my hospitality experience to Signature Resolution, a firm with many mediation professionals I have long respected and know very well."

Case Administrator

Practice Areas

  • Business & Commercial Contracts
  • General Liabilities & Malpractice
  • Hotels & the Hospitality Industry​
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Personal Injury
  • Travel & Tourism ​

Education

  • J.D., Pepperdine Law School
  • B.A., University of California at Davis 
  • A.A., Menlo College

Biography

David Samuels joins Signature Resolution with over 30 years of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the hospitality and hotel industry. He has dedicated his career to providing comprehensive legal counsel to a diverse array of plaintiff and defense clients, with a particular emphasis on hotels, resorts and the hospitality business. Within the hospitality industry, he has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to some of the nation’s most prominent hotels and resorts.  

In addition to his most recent role as partner at Lewis Brisbois, Samuels’ professional journey includes a 17-year partnership at Michelman & Robinson, LLP. He was also an attorney at the Law Offices of Allan Sigel and Fonda and Hilberman. He began his career as a research attorney for the Los Angeles Superior Court. Across these various roles, he honed his skills in mediation and negotiation, building a track record of success that spans decades–preparing him well for his current role as a mediator. 

Samuels believes that mediation is an incredible process that affords the parties an opportunity to explore the facts, strengths and weaknesses of their dispute in a safe environment where they are empowered to take control of the resolution. Samuels has successfully resolved thousands of general, auto and premises liability matters. His extensive litigation and mediation experience includes high-exposure and catastrophic personal injury cases spanning industries such as construction, commercial property, ride-sharing, trucking and public property. 

In addition to his success in the courtroom, Samuels’ career is marked by numerous accolades and leadership roles. He served as a board member and the immediate past president of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys (AHIA), a national association of leading hospitality attorneys, where he helped provide continuing legal education to members. He is a former member of both the California Hotel & Lodging Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association. At Lewis Brisbois, he was a vice-chair of the Hospitality Practice and an integral member of the Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practice. Samuels has also been recognized as a top attorney in Southern California by Super Lawyers and earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent rating. 

Beyond his legal achievements, Samuels’ passion for the hospitality industry shines through his deep understanding of its unique challenges. His firsthand experience working in hotels throughout college allowed him to connect with his clients on a personal level, offering strategic insights that go beyond the legal landscape. This combination of empathy, openness and expertise has made him a trusted advocate for his clients.

Experience

  • Partner, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP (2017-2025)​
  • Partner, Michelman & Robinson, LLP (2000-2017)​
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Allan Sigel (1999) ​
  • Associate Attorney, Fonda and Hilberman (1994-1999) ​
  • Research Attorney, Los Angeles Superior Court (1991-1993)

Professional Achievements and Memberships

  • Immediate Past President, Board Member, Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys​
  • Former Member, California Hotel & Lodging Association​
  • Former Member, American Hotel & Lodging Association​
  • Former Member, Global Alliance of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Attorneys​
  • Recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer for more than a decade​
  • AV (Preeminent), Martindale Hubbell