Meet DAVID DEJUTE
David A. DeJute is a candidate for Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Office No. 87, in the November 3, 2026 general election.
David has never followed a conventional career path.
He's served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, represented President Barack Obama in one of the nation's highest-profile legal cases, taught at one of the leading law schools, led the Disaster Relief Clinic, overseen litigation for Sony Pictures, and spent more than three decades practicing law.
Those experiences have more than prepared him to serve on the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
David graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Notre Dame before earning his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he served as an officer of the nation's oldest student-run legal aid clinic, providing free legal assistance to people who could not afford it. After law school, he clerked for U.S. District Judge William J. Rea, an experience that shaped his respect for judicial independence, fairness, and thoughtful decision-making.
Over the course of his career, David has worked at the highest levels of government, business, higher education, and private practice. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he represented federal agencies including the FBI and NASA, and represented President Barack Obama in one of the nation's highest-profile legal cases. He later served as Vice President of Litigation for Sony Pictures Entertainment, overseeing significant legal matters for one of Los Angeles' most recognizable companies before returning to private practice.
David also spent years teaching future lawyers at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. As Director of the Disaster Relief Clinic, he led students in providing free legal assistance to Californians recovering from devastating wildfires and other natural disasters, helping families navigate complex legal challenges during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Outside the courtroom, David has built a life rooted in commitment, family, and community.He and his husband, Eric, have shared nearly forty years together and are proud parents to their son, Drake. Their story reflects the values that have shaped David's life and career: responsibility, compassion, respect for others, and a belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
David is proud to be endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, along with a broad coalition of elected officials, community leaders, organizations, and members of the legal community throughout Los Angeles County.