Class of 1992
Like many graduates from SJCL, David Weiland did not choose law as his first career. Having attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Fresno State in 1972, he worked as an engineer for 20 years, sharing his expertise at the Kings County Public Works Department, a few civil engineering firms, and his own companies. During a career that would have been gratifying enough for most, David designed, developed, and consulted on residential and commercial projects throughout Central California. Then, in 1988 he enrolled in law school.
As a law student David was not content to merely maintain the status quo. He holds the distinction of becoming the very first managing editor of the SJCL Agricultural Law Review, which will publish its 28th volume this year. Since its founding by David and the editorial team, the Law Review has received judicial and critical recognition. Its articles have been cited by several courts, including the California Supreme Court, and the publication has been featured in the National Law Journal, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Hein On-Line.
One would expect that such a dedicated student would have awaited the bar results with bated breath. Longtime SJCL staff member Lonzetta Hightower says, not so. She remembers how David was unaware he had passed the bar until she called to invite him to the Champagne Reception. She told him; “I’m calling to invite you to the Champagne Reception for the bar passers.” His response was “I passed? Are you sure?”
As he embarked on his professional legal career, David opened his own practice in construction and real estate litigation, and design professional liability defense. With his expertise in both engineering and law, he was a formidable double-threat. He eventually joined the firm of Dowling Aaron Inc. as a shareholder, and eventually became chair of the litigation department, member of the Board of Directors, and eventually President. He practiced at Dowling Aaron for 15 years before moving into his current role as head of the litigation department and executive committee member at Coleman & Horowitt.
As an attorney who is also a registered civil engineer, David represents clients in complex commercial, construction, real estate, professional liability defense, and tort defense, in addition to municipal law, real estate transactions and land use matters. He served at various times as the City Attorney for Sanger and Mendota, a mediator, and is currently an arbitrator both privately, and with the American Arbitration Association. David’s accolades are many, including his attendance at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, and his service as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Fresno and Merced Superior Courts.
With participation in professional associations, on boards, and committees too lengthy to list, David gives his time generously to numerous community organizations. He has served as an adjunct professor at Fresno State’s School of Engineering as well as at SJCL, where he has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the past 20 years. He is a past President of the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation and was instrumental in the quest to build the Save Mart Center. He has additionally served on the Advisory Board of Our Lady of Victory School. He is a frequent speaker to employers, owners, contractors, subcontractors and trade associations on current employment, contract, liability, and insurance issues.
David is married to his lovely wife Lillian Macias Weiland, who is also an SJCL graduate from the class of 2002. Together they have three grown children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.