David H. Sands

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David Sands

Overview

David Sands is a seasoned dealmaker who guides businesses of all sizes through strategic, financial and operational transactions. Drawing on deep experience in legal and business strategy earned in more than 400 deals, he helps media, entertainment, technology and financial services industry clients navigate risks, understand market realities and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Clients value that David prepares them for complex transactions and ensures they are confident and informed from the start. Recognized for his practical, business-focused approach and responsiveness, he counsels clients throughout the company lifecycle, handling matters such as:

  • Corporate finance and capital raising
  • Mergers and acquisitions, including take-private transactions and joint ventures
  • Formation planning and initial capitalization
  • Executive compensation and retention strategies
  • Strategic alliances and institutional partnerships
  • Public and private equity and debt offerings

With a long history of counseling service-based businesses and family owned companies, David understands his clients’ success depends on their people and incentivizing excellence. He helps companies design incentive structures and cultures where key people thrive and enables founders to monetize effort while retaining talent.

Outside of work, David enjoys baking for friends and family, fishing, skiing in the Mammoth area (and an occasional heli-ski trip) and attending live music performances at venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, where he and his wife Yvonne have been longtime supporters and contributors. David also is known for his dedication and perseverance as a result of his 50+ year support of the NY Mets and NY Jets.

Education

J.D., Boston University, 1987

B.A., Oberlin College, 1984

Admissions

California

  • Leader of Influence: M&A, Los Angeles Business Journal, 2026
  • Leading Dealmakers in America List, Lawdragon, 2026
  • Top Entertainment Attorney, Dealmakers Impact Report, Variety, 2008, 2021
  • Top Entertainment Attorney, Variety's Legal Impact Report, 2017, 2019, 2021-2022
  • Best Lawyer in America, Best Lawyers, 2017-2026
  • Top leading Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions (Venture Capital) Lawyer, Chambers, 2007-2016
  • "Most Influential M&A Advisors" in Los Angeles Business Journal, 2013
  • "Top Transactional Attorneys" in Variety's Legal Impact Report, 2013
  • "Game-Changing Attorneys" in Variety's Legal Impact Report, 2012 and 2015
  • Southern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2009-2026
  • Mergers & Acquisitions, Legal 500, 2008-2012, 2014-2020, 2022, 2024-2025
  • Media and Entertainment: Transactional, Legal 500, 2021-2024
  • Which Lawyer?, Corporate/M&A, Practical Law Company, 2009-2012
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2024
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2025

Panelist, "Building Relationships for Success," Houlihan Lokey Conference on Financial Services Industry, New York, NY, March 5, 2014