About David
David W. Sanford is a prominent civil rights attorney and the chairman and co-founder of Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight LLP, a public interest law firm based in New York City. Born on February 10, 1957, Sanford has dedicated his career to advocating for workplace equity, systemic discrimination claims, and corporate accountability. His commitment to these issues has made him a leading figure in civil rights law. Sanford earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford University in 1995, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous legal education. Before attending law school, he completed his undergraduate studies at Vassar College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1980. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984.
His pursuit of knowledge continued with doctoral studies at the same university until 1985, laying a strong foundation for his legal career. In 2019, Sanford was admitted to the New York State Bar, adding to his existing licenses in Maryland, which he obtained in 1997, and the District of Columbia in 1998. His federal court admissions include the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Additionally, he is admitted to practice in several U.S. District Courts, including the Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Florida, District of Columbia, and District of Maryland. Sanford has been instrumental in several landmark cases, most notably securing a $253 million jury verdict in Velez v. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. in 2010. This case was recognized as the largest gender discrimination award in U.S.
employment history at that time, showcasing Sanford's ability to navigate complex legal challenges. His firm, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight LLP, has received accolades for its work in employment law, with Sanford being named to Forbes' inaugural 2025 Best-in-State Lawyers list for New York. In addition to his legal practice, Sanford has been actively involved in various professional associations, including the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). His firm maintains offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Diego, reflecting its national reach in handling complex employment and civil rights cases. Sanford's contributions to civil rights and employment law have been widely recognized, solidifying his reputation as a leading advocate for workplace fairness and justice. For more information about David Sanford and his firm, you can visit their official website.
