Judge David J. Cowan: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department Beverly Hills 200/SMC 1

CA Bar #: 136830 (December 1988)

Appointed By: Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Biography

The Hon. David J. Cowan is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. He was appointed to the bench in 2014 by former Governor Jerry Brown. He filled the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Diana M. Wheatley (Ret.).


He is a registered Democrat.


Judge Cowan received his B.A. from Columbia University. He went on to earn his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1988.


After graduating from law school, Cowan became an associate at the law firms of Rogers and Wells from 1988 to 1992, and Leland, Parachini, Flinn, Steinberg, Matzger, and Melnick from 1992 to 1994. He became a sole practitioner in 1994, during which time he worked as of counsel at Hong and Chang from 2001 to 2002. His areas of practice included real estate, business, tax, and insurance litigation.


Then, in 2005, Cowan became a court commissioner for the Los Angeles County Superior Court. While a court commissioner, Cowan presided over the Santa Monica Family Law Court. He was reassigned to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in 2013 to preside over probate cases. He was serving in that capacity at the time of his appointment to the bench in 2014.

Recent Rulings by Hon. David J. Cowan

  • Jul 01, 2021 Los Angeles County

    Tentative Ruling

    Judge David J. Cowan

    Department 1

    ...

  • Jun 30, 2021 Los Angeles County

    The parties’ trial materials exhibit four principal defects.

    First, the parties failed to indicate whether they had stipulated to the authenticity or admissibility of any exhibits. These stipulations, where the parties are able to reach them, significantly aid in the efficient disposition of long c...

  • Jun 03, 2021 Los Angeles County

    Alberto Muratalla, Plaintiff, vs. Jimmy Muratalla and Does 1-100, Defendants.

    VC066122

    ORDER ON NOTICE OF RELATED CASES AND EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION

    On April 9, 2021, Manuel Muratalla (“Manuel”) filed a Notice of Related Case indicating pending civil case VC066122 is r...

  • Apr 29, 2021 Los Angeles County

    Tentative Ruling

    Judge David J. Cowan

    Department 1

    ...

  • Dec 16, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to CONTINUE the Petition to January 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in Dept. 26. Petitioner failed to submit a completed criminal history assessment form.

    IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO APPEAR AND BE HEARD, YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOU...

  • Dec 16, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to CONTINUE the Petition to January 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in Dept. 26. Petitioner failed to submit a completed criminal history assessment form.

    IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO APPEAR AND BE HEARD, YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOU...

  • Dec 16, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to CONTINUE the Petition to January 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in Dept. 26. Petitioner failed to submit a proof of publication and completed criminal history assessment form.

    IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO APPEAR AND BE HEAR...

  • Dec 16, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to CONTINUE the Petition to January 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in Dept. 26. Petitioner failed to submit a proof of publication and completed criminal history assessment form.

    IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO APPEAR AND BE HEAR...

  • Dec 16, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The petition was filed for the minor by both parents. The petition is granted without a hearing and without further factual findings as mandated by Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1277(a)(4), (5), 1277.5, and 1278(a)(2). PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, ...

  • Dec 04, 2020 Los Angeles County

    Tentative Ruling

    Judge David J. Cowan

    Department 20

    ...

  • Dec 04, 2020 Los Angeles County

    Tentative Ruling

    Judge David J. Cowan

    Department 20

    ...

  • Dec 03, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to DENY the Petition without prejudice on the ground that no proof of publication was filed. (Code Civ. Proc., § 1277(a).)

    IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY. PLEASE APPEAR IN PERSON, NOT BY LACC, IF YOU INTEND TO PROVIDE THE COURT A PROOF OF PU...

  • Dec 03, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 03, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The court intends to DENY the petition on the ground that petitioner has an outstanding bench warrant.IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO APPEAR AND BE HEARD, YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED NOT TO APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. You may mak...

  • Dec 03, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 03, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The petition was filed for the minor by both parents. The petition is granted without a hearing and without further factual findings as mandated by Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1277(a)(4), (5), 1277.5, and 1278(a)(2). PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, ...

  • Dec 02, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 02, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 02, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 02, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 02, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The petition was filed for the minor by both parents. The petition is granted without a hearing and without further factual findings as mandated by Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1277(a)(4), (5), 1277.5, and 1278(a)(2). PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, ...

  • Dec 01, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The Court intends to GRANT the Petition. PLEASE DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON ON THE DATE OF THE HEARING. NO APPEARANCE IS NECESSARY.

    To obtain a Certified Copy of your Name Change Decree, please send a request with the required fee to Attn: Certification Unit, Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill ...

  • Dec 01, 2020 Los Angeles County

    Tentative Ruling

    Judge David J. Cowan

    Department 20

    ...

  • Dec 01, 2020 Los Angeles County

    The court intends to deny the petition on the ground that petitioner is a registered sex offender and has not demonstrated that granting the petition is in the best interest of justice and will not adversely affect the public safety.

    IF YOU ACCEPT THE COURT’S TENTATIVE RULING, NO APPEARANCE IS NECE...

  • Load More

Recent Cases by Hon. David J. Cowan

On January 17, 2024 a trust (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

Filed

Jan 17, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Trust (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Trusts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 18, 2024

On August 23, 2023 an unlawful detainer/residential (not drugs or wrongful eviction) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Aug 23, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Santa Monica

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Unlawful Detainer/Residential (not drugs or wrongful eviction) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On July 17, 2023 an elder/dependent adult abuse/ claims against skilled nursing facility (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

7 Files
Filed

Jul 17, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Long Beach

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse/ Claims against Skilled Nursing Facility (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Elder Abuse

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On July 6, 2023 an other non-personal injury/property damage tort (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

7 Files
Filed

Jul 06, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Non-Personal Injury/Property Damage tort (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On July 6, 2023 a breach of rental/lease contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

9 Files
Filed

Jul 06, 2023

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Burbank

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Breach of Rental/Lease Contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2023

On May 19, 2023 an eminent domain/condemnation (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

6 Files
Filed

May 19, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Eminent Domain/Condemnation (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Eminent Domain

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2024

On May 9, 2023 a sister state judgment (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

6 Files
Filed

May 09, 2023

Status

Foreign,Sister-State Judgment

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Sister State Judgment (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

4 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

3 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 17, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 a sister state judgment (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

6 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Foreign,Sister-State Judgment

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Sister State Judgment (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

3 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 17, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 18, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

4 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2023

On May 8, 2023 an other enforcement of judgment case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge David J. Cowan presiding.

5 Files
Filed

May 08, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. David J. Cowan Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for David J. Cowan

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Enforcement of Judgment Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 17, 2023

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