About David
David McCarthy earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law. He arrived in practice having worked through law school clinics and coursework that emphasized practical litigation and client counseling. Those early experiences shaped how he approaches cases: methodical, pragmatic and oriented toward finding workable outcomes for clients.
His membership record traces a steady involvement in the San Diego legal community. He has belonged to the San Diego County Bar Association since 2008 and joined the North County Bar Association in 2013. He became a member of Tenants Together in 2014 and maintains that affiliation. Those associations reflect a long-term professional presence in the region and an interest in local court practice and housing issues.
Over the years McCarthy has developed a practice that centers on disputes that arise between renters and property owners. He handles landlord-tenant matters, habitability complaints, lease disputes, and related housing issues. In courtroom settings he prepares traditional filings and argues motions. Outside of court he spends time negotiating settlements and advising clients on their rights and options.
Colleagues describe him as steady in litigation and willing to take the case through trial when necessary. He works with individual tenants as well as other parties affected by housing disputes. Membership in Tenants Together signals an engagement with tenant advocacy networks and connects him to statewide conversations about housing policy and enforcement. At the county and local level his ties to the San Diego County Bar and North County Bar provide regular access to continuing legal education and practice resources.
McCarthy runs the Law Office of David L. McCarthy. He manages a solo or small-firm practice model that allows him to handle files directly and keep clients involved in decision-making. That structure also means he splits time between court appearances, client meetings and legal research.
He remains active in bar activities and local legal circles while maintaining a steady caseload. He currently practices at the Law Office of David L. McCarthy, handling landlord-tenant and housing matters.
