David J. Lopez
Associate Attorney
Education:
Thomas Jefferson School of Law (J.D., 2022)
California State University San Marcos (B.A., 2017)
Palomar College (A.A., 2015)
Admissions:
United States District Court (Southern District of California)
David comes to Bobbitt Pinckard & Fields after serving 20 years in the U. S. Marines Corps.
He enlisted in October 1998 as an aviation turbine engine mechanic for the CH-46 Sea Stallion helicopter platform. Over the course of his 20-year career, he was assigned to installations on both coasts at Marine Corps Air Station (“MSCAS”) New River, Miramar, and Camp Pendleton. David was also afforded the opportunity to deploy globally and experience posts and duties outside the aviation maintenance field. He served as a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego where he successfully transformed civilians into basically trained Marines. He deployed to Iraq, Al Anbar District, as a military advisor working directly in the development of the Iraqi Police force. David also served on the ceremonial parade staff at the oldest post in the Corps, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., also known as 8 th & I. In October 2018, David honorably retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
David’s higher education journey began in the summer of 2013 at Palomar College, while he was still on active duty. He would go on to earn an Associate’s Degree in May 2015. He then transferred to California State University San Marcos and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in December 2017. He accepted the invitation to attend Thomas Jefferson School of Law in August 2019 and earned a Juris Doctor in May 2022.
While in law school, he participated in the Criminal Law Fellowship program. David also worked with the Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic providing legal aid to homeless veterans participating in the San Diego Veterans Village recovery program. In addition to clinic work, David also completed internships with the San Diego Public Defender’s Office in two divisions: Alternate Public Defender, and Juvenile Delinquency. After graduation from Thomas Jefferson, he was selected to serve as a Graduate Law Clerk with the San Diego Public Defender’s Central Misdemeanor Unit.
David was admitted to the State Bar of California in May 2023. Prior to admission to the state bar, David’s work as a legal clerk and paralegal provided opportunities to gain experience in criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, and estate planning. He also developed an understanding of the processes and procedures surrounding Military discharge and Veteran Affairs Character of Discharge upgrades.
David joined Bobbitt Pinckard & Fields as an associate attorney in May 2023. David’s practice includes representation of law enforcement officers during internal affairs investigations, critical incidents, administrative disciplinary appeals, and criminal defense.