David P. Wolds

David P. Wolds is a San Diego labor, employment, and employee benefits lawyer who advises employers, benefit plans, fiduciaries, and nonprofit organizations. He handles collective bargaining, NLRB proceedings, wage and hour disputes, wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, and labor-management litigation. He also counsels clients on ERISA-covered benefit plans and fiduciary responsibilities. His practice combines regulatory guidance, litigation experience, and practical advice for organizations navigating complex workforce and benefits issues across California.

David earned his J.D. from the University of Southern California Law Center in 1974 and his B.S. from Central Michigan University in 1970. He is admitted in California and Michigan and before the US Supreme Court. His legal education supports decades of work involving labor relations, employee benefits, fiduciary duties, regulatory compliance, and administration. He also taught Labor and Employee Benefits Law as an adjunct professor for 25 years there.

David represents employee benefit plans and fiduciaries in disputes involving ERISA preemption, benefit claims, and alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. He counsels fiduciaries overseeing pension, health, medical, vacation, and apprenticeship training plans. He also assists corporate plan sponsors in fiduciary litigation and helps tax-exempt organizations create benefit programs. His work with federal and state agencies regularly helps clients address compliance obligations involving labor, employment, employee benefit requirements, and enforcement matters.

David P. Wolds holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected as a San Diego Top Lawyer by San Diego Magazine. He has also helped create nonprofit organizations focused on protecting work opportunities and employee-employer choice regarding collective bargaining coverage. His career reflects sustained involvement in labor law, employee benefits, fiduciary counseling, and regulatory matters, supported by extensive teaching, litigation, and advisory experience across regulated workplace environments.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Wolds VanderWal PC
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Member, State Bar of Michigan

Licensed State

• California
• Michigan

Education

• University of Southern California Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Central Michigan University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)