David Kim is a second-generation Korean American attorney who serves as a Deputy County Counsel for Los Angeles County, where he currently works in the Juvenile Dependency Division. Over the course of his legal career, he has dedicated much of his work to serving vulnerable communities, including representing undocumented immigrants in removal proceedings and defending parents involved in the juvenile dependency system.

Prior to entering public service, David practiced entertainment law and worked in-house at Sony Pictures Entertainment. Although he enjoyed his work in the entertainment industry, he ultimately chose to dedicate his career to public service, guided by a deep commitment to equity, justice, and ensuring that all people have access to opportunity, dignity, and fair treatment under the law.

That same passion for service led David to run for U.S. Congress in California’s 34th Congressional District in 2020, 2022, and 2024. In his 2022 campaign, he nearly unseated the incumbent congressmember, earning 49% of the vote in the general election and falling short by only a few thousand votes.

As the son of Korean immigrant pastors, David grew up deeply rooted in the Korean American church community. His upbringing gave him firsthand insight into the hopes, sacrifices, and challenges faced by immigrant families, as well as the realities of growing up as an Asian American navigating multiple cultural identities. As a gay man who came out later in life, David has also experienced the challenges of reconciling identity, belonging, and acceptance. These experiences have strengthened his belief that every person carries a unique story and set of struggles, and have deepened his empathy for people from all walks of life.

David is a member of the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC) and is an alumnus of NetKAL Class XII. He remains passionate about civic engagement, leadership development, and strengthening the voice of the Korean American community in public life.

Outside of his professional and community work, David enjoys writing, meditating, practicing and teaching hot yoga, and exploring mindfulness. He also loves embarking on new adventures with his partner, family, and friends.