The American Society of Legal Advocates has selected David as a Top 40 Under 40 litigation attorney in the State of Utah for 2016.
David has found that passion and creativity that separate the best attorneys from the rest. As an intern in the Federal District Court in Waco, Texas while in law school, he observed that the most effective attorneys showed genuine belief in their clients and their rights. He incorporated these lessons into his work with Baylor Law School’s celebrated mock trial team, for which the school awarded him the American Board of Trial Advocates award.
After law school, David chose to serve the people of Northwest Arizona as a public defender. For five years, he represented men and women charged with all manner of crimes. He has tried cases ranging from murder to DUI to backyard brawls. At the end of one of his trials, an alleged victim approached him in the court hallway and said, “If I ever get in trouble, I want to hire you as my attorney.” On another occasion, a juror asked for David’s business card after acquitting his client.
In addition to his 50+ criminal trials, he learned the importance of a comprehensive criminal defense. When acquittal was not an option, David consulted with mental health professionals, arranged for treatment, and sought sentencing alternatives that resulted in favorable outcomes for his clients.
As an attorney for Corbett & Gwilliam, PLLC, David continues to use his passion, experience, and creativity to serve his clients. He believes in his clients, and he explores many alternatives to solve their problems and enforce their rights.
In addition to his law practice, David is an avid soccer player. He enjoys camping with his wife and four children, where he always reads Edgar Allen Poe stories by the fire. He is fluent in Spanish.
Areas of Practice
50% Family Law
20% Personal Injury
10% Appeals
10% Criminal Law
10% Juvenile Court
Education
Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas
J.D. – 2006
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
B.A. – 2003
Honors: Deans List
Major: English
Professional Associations and Memberships
Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2014 – 2015
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Board of Governors, 2008 – 2011
Litigation Percentage
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Classes/Seminars
Aristotle’s Golden Rules of Persuasion, Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justices, 2009
Decoding Arizona’s New Sentencing Code, Mohave County Bar Association, 2010
Past Employment Positions
Christensen Corbett & Pankratz, PLLC, Partner, 2012 – 2015
Christensen Thornton, PLLC, Associate, 2011 – 2012
Mohave County Public Defender’s Office, Attorney, 2006 – 2011
Federal District Court in Waco, Texas, Intern
Bar Admissions
Arizona, 2006
Utah, 2012
U.S. District Court District of Utah, 2013
Honors and Awards
American Board of Trial Advocates Award, 2006 – Present
Top 40 Under 40 Litigation Attorney in the State of Utah, American Society of Legal Advocates, 2016 – Present
Languages
Spanish
English
Contact Us
If you are seeking knowledgeable guidance in Utah, we are here to protect your rights and interests.
Call our office at 801-285-6302or 866-287-5853 to arrange a free initial consultation.
Or, if you prefer, complete the online form.