Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Insurance Defense Attorneys in California
David A McDowell Law Office APC is a premier trial and litigation law firm dedicated to providing high-quality legal defense for corporate, municipal, and individual clients. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys specialize in insurance defense litigation, including personal injury, product liability, professional malpractice, and business/commercial litigation. We handle complex cases involving suspicious first- and third-party claims, conducting thousands of examinations under oath and depositions annually. Our team has successfully litigated cases across Northern and Central California, serving clients in counties such as Alameda, Sacramento, Fresno, and San Francisco. We offer nationwide training seminars on legal topics like bad faith issues and handling suspicious claims.Founded in 1995, our firm maintains offices in Walnut Creek, San Jose, Sacramento, and Fresno, combining a legacy of integrity with modern legal strategies. Our attorneys are licensed in all California state and federal courts, with memberships in professional organizations like the Anti-Fraud Alliance and Claims & Litigation Management Alliance. We prioritize prompt, responsive service while maintaining cost-effectiveness for our clients. Our practice areas include civil litigation, first-party SIU investigations, and examinations under oath. With a history rooted in McDowell Shaw & Garcia, we continue to build on our reputation for professional excellence and client satisfaction.
Services
Insurance Defense Litigation
Personal Injury Defense
Product Liability
Professional Malpractice
Construction Defects
Business Litigation
Examinations Under Oath
First-Party SIU Investigations
Suspicious Claims Handling
Legal Training Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of combined legal experience in insurance defense.
- Our attorneys handle cases across 25+ California counties with local expertise.
- We conduct thousands of examinations under oath annually for suspicious claims.
- Our team includes former prosecutors and engineers with specialized litigation skills.
- We provide nationwide training seminars on insurance fraud and legal compliance.
Services
Insurance Defense Litigation
David A McDowell Law Office APC specializes in defending insurance companies against complex litigation involving personal injury, product liability, and professional malpractice claims. Our attorneys have tried over 100 jury trials across California, focusing on cost-effective resolutions while maintaining rigorous legal standards. With decades of experience, we handle high-stakes cases for top-rated insurance providers.
Examinations Under Oath
The firm conducts thousands of examinations under oath annually to investigate suspicious insurance claims. Our attorneys use investigative expertise to uncover fraud in property loss, personal injury, and medical billing cases. This service helps insurers make informed decisions while ensuring compliance with legal protocols and evidentiary standards.
First-Party SIU Investigations
David A McDowell Law Office APC investigates first-party insurance claims for arson, theft, and coverage disputes. Our team combines legal and investigative skills to assess claim validity, working closely with insurers to prevent fraudulent payouts. This service leverages decades of experience in special investigation units and courtroom litigation.
Legal Training Seminars
The firm provides nationwide training on insurance law topics including bad faith issues, suspicious claims handling, and California Department of Insurance regulations. These seminars equip insurance professionals with practical strategies for fraud detection and regulatory compliance based on our litigation experience.
Business Litigation
David A McDowell Law Office APC represents clients in business/commercial litigation matters involving contract disputes, professional liability, and construction defects. Our attorneys combine trial experience with strategic negotiation to resolve disputes efficiently. Services include pre-trial discovery, mediation, and courtroom representation in California state and federal courts.
People
Phaidra M. Garcia
Attorney
Phaidra Garcia has practiced law since 1996, focusing on personal injury defense and first-party claims. She has first-chaired numerous trials and taken thousands of depositions. Licensed in California state and federal courts, she provides training on insurance claims compliance.
Paula M. Shaw
Of Counsel
Paula Shaw has handled insurance defense litigation since 1984, with experience in over 55 jury and court trials. She specializes in arson, burglary, and staged accident cases. Admitted to all California courts, she provides nationwide training on insurance regulations and fraud detection.
David A. McDowell
Of Counsel
David McDowell has practiced law for over 40 years, trying 75+ civil and criminal jury trials. He founded the firm in 1995 and specializes in SIU cases and suspicious claims. His background includes work as a Deputy District Attorney and insurance defense partner.
Gianina Dimitriou
Associate Attorney
Gianina Dimitriou focuses on personal injury defense and first-party investigations. A former Deputy District Attorney in Florida, she brings prosecutorial experience to her practice. She joined David A McDowell Law Office after handling civil litigation cases in the Bay Area since 2012.
Aaron Posner
Associate Attorney
Aaron Posner investigates suspicious first- and third-party claims. With a background as a mechanical engineer and law degree in intellectual property, he brings technical expertise to litigation. He joined the firm after graduating from San Francisco University School of Law in 2023.
Questions
What areas of law does Garcia Shaw APC specialize in?
We specialize in insurance defense litigation, including personal injury, product liability, professional malpractice, construction defects, and business/commercial litigation. Our focus includes handling suspicious first- and third-party claims.
In which geographic areas do you practice?
We serve clients throughout Northern and Central California, covering counties like Alameda, Sacramento, Fresno, and San Francisco. We also provide nationwide training seminars for insurance professionals.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience, with individual practitioners having tried 75+ jury trials and conducted thousands of examinations under oath for insurance claims investigations.
Do you offer training programs for insurance companies?
Yes, we provide custom training seminars nationwide on topics including bad faith issues, suspicious claims handling, and California Department of Insurance regulations based on our litigation expertise.
What makes your firm different from other insurance defense firms?
Our team combines decades of courtroom experience with specialized investigative skills, including former prosecutorial backgrounds and engineering expertise. This multidisciplinary approach enhances our ability to handle complex insurance fraud cases.
