David is a leading authority on eminent domain and inverse condemnation for California government entities
For more than 35 years, David Skinner has partnered with clients to bring iconic projects to life, acquiring essential property for freeways, stadiums, subways, entertainment districts, and other landmarks that will shape the state’s infrastructure for a century. Above all, David’s extensive trial experience sets him apart, with dozens of high-stakes bench and jury trials under his belt.
At the forefront of transit and infrastructure, David is tapped by clients like the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to acquire property for their ambitious megaprojects. He’s currently working Metro’s $9.5 billion D Line expansion, connecting Koreatown to the Westside, as well as VTA’s $14.5 billion BART extension, completing the decades-long vision of a continuous public transit loop around SF Bay.
He is often called on for “bet-the-farm” cases that blend legal and public policy challenges. When the Sacramento Kings were on the brink of relocation, David secured the final piece of property for the Golden 1 Center, central to the city’s goal of keeping the Kings and its broader downtown revitalization strategy. David has also built a reputation for tackling precedent-setting appeals with regional impact. He recently won a major appeal for San Diego in a closely watched case against SDG&E over utility relocation costs.
Beyond his practice, David is a respected leader and educator. He lectures extensively on various legal topics and served as Meyers Nave’s Managing Principal from 2011–2025.
Published Decisions
Honors & Awards
Presentations & Publications
Professional & Community Affiliations
Education
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
University of California (UC)
Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center
Jury Sides with VTA in Meyers Nave Eminent Domain Trial
Meyers Nave Secures Appellate Victory for City of San Diego in Utility Relocation Dispute
Meyers Nave’s Eminent Domain Team Continues its Successful Partnership With LA Metro on the Westside Purple Line Subway Extension Project
Eminent Domain Team Partners with L.A. County Metro to Acquire Property from the Beverly Hills Unified School District for the Westside Purple Line Subway Extension Project
Five Meyers Nave Attorneys Recognized as 2023 “Best Lawyers in America”
Jury Sides with VTA in Meyers Nave Eminent Domain Trial
Meyers Nave Secures Appellate Victory for City of San Diego in Utility Relocation Dispute
Meyers Nave’s Eminent Domain Team Continues its Successful Partnership With LA Metro on the Westside Purple Line Subway Extension Project