Resume

Hon. David A. Rosen (Ret.) is a highly respected mediator and arbitrator with ADR Services, Inc., bringing more than four decades of litigation, judicial, and neutral experience to his work resolving complex civil disputes. Known for his even temperament, intellectual rigor, and steady, solutions-oriented style, Judge Rosen has cultivated a reputation as a fair and thoughtful neutral who brings both gravitas and grace to the mediation table.

Since joining ADR Services, Inc. in 2023, Judge Rosen has developed a robust practice focused on high-stakes matters involving personal injury, toxic torts, employment, professional liability, and commercial disputes. He is especially adept in emotionally charged or legally complex cases – where the stakes are high, the personalities strong, and the expectations deeply rooted. Attorneys consistently describe him as prepared, persistent, and practical. Clients respond to his calm authority, careful listening, and ability to distill complexity without losing sight of the human dimensions of a dispute.

What sets Judge Rosen apart is the way he blends legal insight with emotional intelligence. Whether resolving a catastrophic injury claim or navigating the interpersonal undercurrents of a contentious business dispute, he works to understand what motivates each party and identifies the pressure points that can unlock resolution. His approach is measured but active – he doesn’t just shuttle offers, but engages meaningfully with the legal arguments, credibility issues, and decision-making frameworks on both sides.

His mediation process is marked by deep preparation, active listening, and strategic flexibility. He conducts thorough pre-mediation calls to understand the case dynamics and personalities involved, reviews briefs meticulously, and enters each session with a tailored plan. He surfaces hidden interests, offers evaluative feedback when appropriate, and isn’t afraid to ask hard questions or challenge entrenched narratives. When resolution isn’t reached on the day of mediation, he remains engaged through thoughtful post-session follow-up, something attorneys say distinguishes him from other neutrals. Across the board, feedback describes a neutral who is “very intelligent,” “thorough and persistent,” “excellent with clients,” and “effective with both sides.”

Judge Rosen also brings considerable value as an arbitrator. In reference and arbitration matters, his judicial experience lends credibility and structure. He conducts proceedings with fairness, clarity, and efficiency, ensuring due process while delivering well-reasoned, timely decisions. Counsel who appear before him appreciate his firm but courteous management style and his ability to resolve even the thorniest evidentiary and procedural issues without unnecessary delay.

Before transitioning to full-time neutral work, Judge Rosen served eight years on the Los Angeles Superior Court. Nearly half of his tenure was spent in Family Law, an assignment he values for its human depth and daily impact. From 2021 to 2023, he presided over a civil independent calendar, handling a broad spectrum of tort, contract, and employment disputes. He also served in criminal assignments earlier in his judicial career, rounding out his broad-based judicial experience.

Prior to his time on the bench, Judge Rosen established a formidable litigation practice that laid the foundation for his current practice as a neutral. For over 35 years, he practiced at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, where he represented plaintiffs in toxic tort, catastrophic injury, employment, and environmental exposure cases. Rising to Managing Partner, he led the firm through major litigation efforts and served as Liaison Counsel in the Los Angeles County Asbestos Litigation (1986-1996, 2005-2009). He also played key roles in the Latex Glove and San Gabriel Valley Groundwater coordinated cases, and on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the NFL Concussion MDL. His appellate work includes over 20 arguments before the California Courts of Appeal, the Ninth Circuit, and the California Supreme Court.

Throughout his career, Judge Rosen has been recognized for his integrity, credibility, and commitment to fairness. His colleagues and clients alike describe him as someone who “doesn’t get riled up,” yet never stops working a case. He is particularly effective with sophisticated parties, professionals, and executives, and is known for helping litigants reset expectations and move toward resolution, even in cases that initially seem intractable.

Judge Rosen earned his J.D., cum laude, from Loyola Law School in 1981 and his B.A. from UCLA in 1978. He has held leadership roles with the Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, American Association for Justice, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association Litigation Section. Today, he continues to be driven by a core belief in the value of resolution, the power of preparation, and the importance of presence in helping parties move forward.

Personal Injury: Products Liability, Toxic Tort, Defective Machines, Medical Devices, Drugs, Auto Accidents, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death

Workplace Accidents: Construction Accidents, Dangerous Premises, Defective Products, Toxic Exposures

Professional Liability: Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice

Employment: Wrongful Termination, Breach of Contract, Discrimination, Harassment, Wage & Hour, Class Action/PAGA Claims

Family Law: Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Property Characterization, Evaluation and Division, Parentage, Status, Attorney’s Fees

Business/Commercial: Contracts, Debts, Consumer Remedies

Judge of the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles    2016-2023

• Civil Assignment, Glendale Courthouse, 2021-2023
• Family Law Assignment, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 2017-2018, 2021
• Family Law Assignment, Chatsworth Courthouse, 2018-2021
• Criminal Assignment, Metropolitan Courthouse, 2016-2017
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Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, Los Angeles    1979-2016
Practice focused on civil litigation, handling trial preparation, trials, and appeals, especially in personal injury, toxic exposure, and employment matters.

• Managing Partner, Los Angeles, 2001-2016
• Partner, 1988-2016
• Associate, 1981-1987
• Law Clerk, 1979-1981

• J.D. cum laude, Loyola Law School    1981
• B.A., University of California, Los Angeles    1978

• Executive Committee, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2011-2016
• Member, California Commission on Access to Justice, 2003-2006
• Board Member, American Association for Justice, 2008-2016
• Board Member, Officer, Consumer Attorneys of California, 1993-2016
• Board Member, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, 1994-1996, 2005-2016

“Legal Ethics: Client Trust Account Requirements, The new ‘Snitch’ Rule, and Conflicts of Interest,” Advocate, 2024
“Briefing Witnesses for Deposition or Cross-Examination,” Forum, 2015
“Some Common, and Not So Common, Issues of Admissibility at Trial,” Advocate, 2010
“Use and Abuse of the Sophisticated User Defense,” Advocate, 2009
“Toxic Torts,” Forum, 2005
“Third Party Litigation and Workers’ Compensation,” Forum, 2003