Atty. David E. Christensen
David Christensen founded Christensen Law in 2014 to give clients the individualized attention that they need after serious accidents. “I really enjoy taking care of people,” he says. “I like beating large corporations on my clients’ behalf and protecting them when their lives are destroyed.” A native of California, Christensen has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from San Francisco State University. He obtained both his master’s degree and his law degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Attorney · Serving Southfield, MI
Profile Summary
About David E. Christensen at a Glance
David E. Christensen is a personal injury attorney based in Southfield, Michigan, practicing at Christensen Law. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan. Educated at University of Michigan (—, 1991) and University of Michigan (M.A. Asian Studies, 1991). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation (2026). Serves clients in Southfield, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David E. Christensen
- David Christensen founded Christensen Law in 2014 to give clients the individualized attention that they need after serious accidents. “I really enjoy taking care of people,” he says. “I like beating large corporations on my clients’ behalf and protecting them when their lives are destroyed.” A native of California, Christensen has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from San Francisco State University
- He obtained both his master’s degree and his law degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
- After first handling corporate legal matters, he became interested in personal injury law and worked at a large firm for about two decades before branching out on his own. “With a large volume firm, you can’t have close relationships with clients,” he says. “The number one complaint about personal injury attorneys is poor communication
- No client is ever going to complain about that with us.” The firm’s guiding principle of client service first is proudly displayed on the wall at the Christensen Law offices: Listen
- Protect
- Win
- At Christensen Law, the attorneys and staff pride themselves on being accessible and ready to listen to clients to about their circumstances, stresses, and any questions they may have. “We try to protect them – take over managing their medical care, and try to relieve their burdens and carry them for them,” Christensen says
- The dedicated attorneys take a trial-bound approach, aiming to secure maximum judgments and settlements for their clients to alleviate future distress. “We make sure their case provides them with the compensation they will need
- We want to safeguard their future and give them that security.” A highly respected trial attorney, Christensen has a top-notch reputation in Michigan when it comes to personal injury, auto accident, and traumatic brain injury cases
- He holds an “AV Preeminent” rating from the respected legal network Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing him for the highest legal ability and ethical standards, is repeatedly ranked as one of U.S
- News & World Report’s “Best Lawyers” and was named “Lawyer of the Year” for 2019 and 2025 for representing plaintiffs in Detroit in personal injury litigation
- In addition, Christensen was one of only 25 attorneys to be named a “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, was lauded as one of the top 100 lawyers in Michigan and top 50 consumer lawyers in Michigan, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his distinguished career, as recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2021
- His reputation for success in the courtroom and ethical practice also led to his induction into the elite ranks of the American Board of Trial Attorneys, a national association dedicated to the preservation of the 7th Amendment right to a civil trial by jury, and the protection of an independent judiciary
- In one of his impressive victories, Christensen secured the state’s largest jury trial award for a non-fatal traffic crash ─ $17.8 million in damages ─ after a severe truck vs. car accident left his client with a traumatic brain injury
- Plaintiff Vaylma Dorado expressed her sincere appreciation during the trial. “The jury’s verdict made it possible for me to have closure, have a new outlook on my life, to start the real healing process, let go of the anger and, ultimately, allowed me to see a silver lining,” she said during the trial in 2014
- Christensen believes in giving back to, and improving, the legal industry as well
- He was chairman of the State Bar of Michigan’s Negligence Law Section and an officer on the Executive Board of the Michigan Association for Justice, where he also chaired the no-fault committee for many years
- He also has testified before the Michigan legislature against bills that would weaken Michigan’s protections of injured motorists and has spoken at state and national conferences about negligence and auto accident law
- The Ann Arbor resident is active in the community as well, serving as a member of the nonprofit citizens’ group Washtenaw Council on Alcoholism, the board of directors for Spectrum Prevention Services in Ann Arbor, and chairman of the board of trustees for HelpSource Agency in Washtenaw County, a private nonprofit serving people with substance abuse problems, teen mothers, and abused children
- David also recently became a member of the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, which is funded by the U.S
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to perform comprehensive research, educational opportunities, and public outreach initiatives to reduce the occurrence and burdens of injury in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region
Practice Areas Explained
David E. Christensen's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David E. Christensen handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Southfield.
Personal Injury in Southfield
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
David E. Christensen is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Michigan →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Southfield
Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Southfield are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Southfield Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Southfield-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Southfield or all attorneys in Michigan.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Southfield Choose David E. Christensen
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David E. Christensen's practice in the field of personal injury.
Focused Personal Injury Practice
Concentrating on personal injury means David E. Christensen's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Southfield
A Southfield-based practice means David E. Christensen attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David E. Christensen Handles in Southfield
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David E. Christensen has experience with under Michigan law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David E. Christensen directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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David E. Christensen's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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