Judge David I. Wasserman

Judge David I. Wasserman is a relatively newly appointed jurist on the Los Angeles Superior Court, having been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on May 19, 2023. A UCLA School of Law graduate, Judge Wasserman brings to the bench a philosophy centered on courtroom efficiency and the expeditious administration of justice. His most publicly documented characteristic is a strong intolerance for delay — reportedly articulating that justice should not be postponed even at the cost of lunch breaks. This signals a judge who prizes tight docket management, punctuality, and attorneys who come fully prepared to proceed without unnecessary continuances or procedural stalling. The limited but notable public record available reflects a judge willing to impose and uphold significant financial consequences in cases involving professional misconduct. The January 2025 affirmance by the California Court of Appeal of a $4 million judgment against a disbarred former Alhambra attorney — a case associated with his court — suggests that Judge Wasserman does not shy away from substantial monetary outcomes where the facts and law support them, and that his rulings are crafted with sufficient legal grounding to withstand appellate scrutiny. Because Judge Wasserman was appointed in 2023, his judicial record remains relatively nascent and comprehensive ruling pattern data is not yet widely available. Attorneys should approach his courtroom with the understanding that his efficiency-first philosophy likely shapes everything from motion practice to trial management. His Newsom appointment also places him within a broadly progressive judicial appointment tradition, though no specific ideological pattern in rulings can be confirmed from available data. Caution and thorough preparation are the operative watchwords for any appearance before him.

The single most important strategic principle for appearing before Judge Wasserman is to respect his time and demonstrate that you have done the same. His documented emphasis on courtroom efficiency — to the point of foregoing lunch breaks — means that attorneys who arrive unprepared, seek unnecessary continuances, or pad oral argument with repetitive points will likely draw his displeasure. Come to every hearing with a clear, concise roadmap of your argument, anticipate his questions, and be ready to proceed immediately when called. Avoid requesting delays unless you have a compelling, documented reason. Given the appellate affirmance of the $4 million judgment associated with his court, attorneys should recognize that Judge Wasserman appears willing to make bold, well-reasoned rulings and is not prone to hedging decisions out of appellate anxiety. This means that strong, well-briefed motions with clear legal authority are likely to receive serious consideration, while weak or underdeveloped arguments may be disposed of quickly. Invest heavily in your written submissions — make sure briefs are logically organized, cite controlling authority prominently, and do not rely on oral argument to rescue a poorly written motion. For cases involving professional responsibility, attorney conduct, or fiduciary obligations, be aware that the available record suggests Judge Wasserman is willing to hold professionals to a high standard and impose meaningful consequences for misconduct. If you are defending such a matter, prepare a thorough factual and legal record from the outset.

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  Prepare Concise, Complete Written Submissions

  Given Judge Wasserman's efficiency orientation, written briefs and motions should be logically structured, lead with your strongest arguments, and cite controlling California authority prominently. Do not rely on oral argument to fill gaps left by inadequate briefing.

• critical

  Arrive Early and Ready to Proceed Immediately

  His documented stance on not delaying proceedings means punctuality is non-negotiable. Arrive early, have all materials organized, and be prepared to begin the moment your matter is called. Confirm hearing times and any courtroom-specific check-in procedures in advance.

• important

  Prepare a Tight Oral Argument Outline

  Structure oral argument to be concise and non-repetitive. Identify your top two or three points, anticipate likely judicial questions, and be prepared to pivot quickly. Avoid padding or restating what is already in the briefs.

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  Research Any Courtroom-Specific Local Practices

  As a judge appointed in 2023, Judge Wasserman may have developed specific courtroom preferences and standing orders not yet widely documented. Contact the clerk's office or review any posted standing orders before your first appearance to avoid procedural missteps.

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  Assess Continuance Requests Carefully

  Given his efficiency philosophy, requests for continuances should be reserved for genuine necessity and supported by documented cause. Anticipate potential pushback and prepare a clear explanation if a continuance is unavoidable.

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  Review Appellate History of Associated Cases

  Monitor the California Court of Appeal for any published or unpublished opinions arising from Judge Wasserman's department. These will provide the earliest available window into his legal reasoning and analytical approach as his record develops.

• ›Be punctual — arrive before your scheduled hearing time and be ready to proceed the moment your matter is called; tardiness or unpreparedness is likely to be viewed unfavorably given his documented efficiency philosophy.
• ›Keep oral argument focused and non-repetitive — do not restate what is already in your briefs; identify your core points and deliver them crisply, yielding the floor when you have made your argument.
• ›Do not request continuances casually — if a continuance is necessary, have a documented, compelling reason prepared and present it respectfully; treat any such request as an exception requiring justification.
• ›Maintain professional decorum at all times — as a relatively new judge, Judge Wasserman is likely attentive to courtroom conduct and the professional standards of attorneys appearing before him.
• ›Have all exhibits, authorities, and supporting materials organized and immediately accessible — fumbling for documents during a hearing signals unpreparedness and wastes the court's time.