David A. McDowell has practiced law for over forty years and is of counsel at Garcia Shaw, APC. During that period, he has tried more than 75 civil and criminal jury trials throughout Northern California. He has been the President of the Northern California Fraud Investigators Association and has given numerous presentations to insurance-related organizations, including, but not limited to, the Northern California Fraud Investigators Association, International Association of Special Investigations Units (IASIU), Claims & Litigation Management Alliance and California Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters.

Mr. McDowell obtained his juris doctorate at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in 1974. Thereafter, he joined the Alameda County District Attorney’s office as a Deputy District Attorney, prosecuting all major crimes. In 1980, he became an associate at the San Francisco law firm of Lossing, McGlynn & McLorg, specializing in the handling of insurance defense matters. Mr. McDowell became a partner in the San Francisco firm of McGlynn, McLorg & McDowell in 1983, which continued to specialize in insurance defense matters.

In 1995, Mr. McDowell commenced his own law firm. That firm has grown to approximately fifteen to twenty lawyers and four offices.

Based upon his prosecutorial background, Mr. McDowell specialized in the handling of special investigation unit (SIU) cases before that term was ever coined. In the early 1980s, he was handling first party cases for insurance companies who requested he conduct examinations under oath. He continues to specialize in this area, handling first party claims involving arsons, burglaries, thefts and coverage issues.

In addition to the first party matters, Mr. McDowell litigates a wide variety of third party cases. He has tried in excess of 75 jury trials, which include cases involving minor impact automobile accidents, wrongful death, housing discrimination and professional liability. Mr. McDowell has tried jury trials in the following Northern California counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Fresno, Sutter, Stanislaus, Mendocino and Tulare.

Mr. McDowell’s practice includes trying declaratory relief actions in coverage matters for various insurance carriers. He also defends insurance companies in uninsured/underinsured motorist claims and has participated in numerous arbitration hearings.

Mr. McDowell’s legal career has focused on the successful investigation and handling of suspicious insurance claims and litigation of personal injury actions. His firm will continue to focus in these areas and provide the quality and excellence in legal representation that the firm’s clients have come to expect.

Practices
Civil Litigation and Trials
First Party SIU Investigations
Examinations Under Oath

Education
California State University at San Diego, B.A., 1971
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, 1974, J.D.

email: dmcdowell@garciashaw.com