David Sarnoff

David Sarnoff brings nearly two decades of litigation and dispute resolution experience to his work, helping parties find clarity, closure, and lasting solutions to complex conflicts. Known for his meticulous preparation, calm presence, and approachable style, he guides attorneys and their clients through challenging negotiations with both analytical precision and human understanding. His mediation practice focuses on business and commercial contracts, employment, civil rights, and personal injury matters.​

​In 2018, he founded Sarnoff Mediations, devoting his practice exclusively to mediation in recognition that true resolution often brings clients greater peace and closure than litigation victories.​

David’s mediation style is grounded in preparation, composure, and adaptability. He carefully studies the facts and dynamics of each case, anticipates potential challenges, and creates a process that is efficient, focused, and respectful. Known for his ability to diffuse tension with professionalism and measured humor, he helps participants shift their focus from the past to the future, approaching settlement discussions with clarity and purpose.​

David is also recognized for his ability to move parties beyond impasse through balanced communication and thoughtful problem-solving. Drawing on his academic background in physics, economics, and computer science, he approaches each case with a structured and analytical mindset while maintaining sensitivity to the human dynamics that influence resolution. His ability to blend technical reasoning with empathy and perspective allows him to help parties navigate both the factual and emotional complexities of their disputes.​

Prior to being a full-time mediator, in 2010, he co-founded Sarnoff + Sarnoff, APLC, with his wife, where they built a respected practice focused on workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, personal injury, and business conflicts. Leading his own firm provided David with unique insight into the business, personal, and emotional realities that drive conflict. He began his legal career in 2006, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of civil matters. ​

A graduate of Loyola Law School, David also completed advanced training through the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law. He has successfully mediated hundreds of cases across California and is valued for his ability to bridge differences between corporate and individual perspectives and to guide parties toward thoughtful, sustainable agreements.​

Beyond his professional work, David speaks near-fluent Spanish and enjoys tennis, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, attending hockey games, and coaching his daughters’ youth soccer teams. He and his wife share a love of community theater and often perform together with their two daughters, where David contributes both as an actor and as a creative force behind set design and construction.