Please help us welcome David Frishman, Tyson & Mendes’ new Los Angeles-based partner and a member of the Los Angeles Complex Trial Team! David brings with him a wealth of experience in all facets of personal injury and property damage litigation and is best known for his finesse and creative approaches to resolving complex and high exposure matters. Read on to learn more about this Chicago native and his long-time admiration of our firm.

T&M: How did you get into the insurance defense industry?

DF: I knew I wanted to be in the courtroom and a litigator early-on in law school. I clerked for a well-respected plaintiffs’ firm while in law school, from which I received an offer to join as a junior associate. I also interviewed with several insurance defense firms, from which I received offers. I was ultimately drawn to insurance defense because of the opportunity to work with and represent both business and individual clients across a broad-spectrum of industries and case types. I spent the first 20 years of my career – the majority as partner – at a 25-attorney insurance defense firm. I was fortunate to be mentored by and work with the firm’s senior partner, a highly respected trial attorney. I gained and developed invaluable experience and skills across all aspects of case handling, including trial. I then became a partner at eighth largest law firm in the country, where for the last four years, I handled all aspects of complex high exposure matters as part of the firm’s insurance defense group. During my tenure with this firm, I successfully tried two 30 day plus catastrophic injury cases, one of which I co-tried with one of my partners, a highly accomplished and nationally recognized trial attorney.

T&M: Why did you decide to join Tyson & Mendes?

DF: Over my career, I have watched Tyson & Mendes grow to become the “go-to” defense firm for all types of personal injury cases, including complex, high-exposure and high-stakes matters. The firm recognizes justice is truly for all – not just plaintiffs – and is genuinely passionate about the representation of its clients and their interests. It was always clear to me that the goal at Tyson & Mendes is winning and that the firm is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure the most favorable outcome in every case. The unyielding commitment of Tyson & Mendes to its clients, in every matter, has always been evident to me. That commitment, in conjunction with the firm’s diverse range of legal talent, support personnel and technology capabilities, is clearly attributable to its success, growth, and reputation – not only throughout California, but nationally. Tyson & Mendes genuinely values and cares for its personnel. The firm is vibrant and progressive, with principles and values that match my own. When the opportunity to join Tyson & Mendes arose, it was effectively a no brainer for me – I wanted to be part of the team and jumped at it.

T&M: What has been most surprising about working at Tyson & Mendes thus far?

DF: I joined the firm at a difficult and challenging time – right before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in America. I cannot say that I am actually “surprised,” but the commitment to the safety of its personnel and dedication to the representation and servicing of clients during the crisis became crystal clear. In short order, all offices, across multiple states, were set up and working remotely, allowing the firm to continue to function seamlessly on a virtual basis – without missing a beat. Throughout the pandemic, the firm continues to provide necessary support to its personnel and clients. The firm’s dedication to team effort and comradery is truly refreshing and welcome.

T&M: Tell us about your biggest professional accomplishment?

DF: I have had many professional accomplishments over my career which I am proud of, ranging from favorably resolving catastrophic, complex high exposure matters pre-trial, collectively totaling excess of $100 million, as well as successfully tried both disputed liability and stipulated liability high-exposure cases to verdict. Over the years I have developed strong leadership skills that allow for the management of the team necessary to properly workup and handle complex cases, through trial, if necessary.

T&M: What did you want to be when you grew up?

DF: When I was young, I thought about being a number of things when I grew up, including a pilot, FBI agent, commodities broker and writer/author. In the 8th grade, I became very interested in the Constitution, government, and the law. It was then that I knew I wanted to be an attorney.

T&M: What interested you in a career in law?

DF: The law is fascinating and one of the bedrocks of our society. It serves to provide justice for all but is also complex. Both business and individuals need skilled guidance navigating, what at times can be the treacherous landscape of the law.  I wanted to be of service in helping ensure people receive justice. Counseling and advising clients on the law and its intricacies, as well as representing and advocating their interests – whether it be at the negotiating table or in a court of law before judge and/or jury – is personally rewarding and a true passion.

T&M: What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

DF: Nothing truly worthwhile is easy. It takes hard work, dedication, persistence, integrity, and no fear.

T&M: If you could travel anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – where would you go?

DF: My wife and I love to travel, and we have been fortunate to have visited many places. We are avid cruisers and if I could travel anywhere, all expenses paid (and had the time do so!), I would be with my wife on a world cruise to all continents. While I hope to have the time to do such a “bucket list” trip someday (even if I had the time and resources, at the moment, I do not think I would be getting on a cruise ship!). If I could go anywhere right this moment – I think Fiji sounds pretty good!

T&M: What do you miss most about living in Chicago?

DF: I have lived in Southern California for many years and love it – the cultural diversity, weather, scenery, and opportunities abound. But Chicago will always be “home sweet home.” It is an incredibly vibrant cosmopolitan city and I still have family there. In addition to my family, I miss being at Wrigley Field rooting for the Cubs and – of course – Chicago hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, which seemingly cannot be truly replicated anywhere else.

T&M: If not at work or home, where are we most likely to find you?

DF: Anywhere with family and friends.

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