David R. Dahan represents businesses and community associations in complex disputes and high‑stakes litigation across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He brings a trial‑first mindset to every matter, pairing meticulous preparation with a direct, strategic style that clients rely on when the pressure is high.
“Details are the difference between winning and losing.”
Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D., 1997
Temple University, Philadelphia, BBA, Concentration in Accounting, 1991
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States
David R. Dahan represents businesses and community associations in complex disputes and high‑stakes litigation across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He brings a trial‑first mindset to every matter, pairing meticulous preparation with a direct, strategic style that clients rely on when the pressure is high.
David built his practice around a simple belief: clients deserve an advocate who will take charge and protect them from the moment a dispute arises. He pairs the judgment of a seasoned litigator with the precision he previously learned as an auditor, using his complementary strengths to analyze the facts, define a strategy, and position each case for the fight ahead.
His practice, now more than 28 years in the making, centers on two areas — commercial litigation and community association law. In his commercial practice, he represents regional and national companies, family-owned businesses, franchisors and franchisees, and other organizations facing high-stakes disputes. Much of his work involves navigating complex, multi-million dollar matters, including shareholder disagreements, contract and lease conflicts, restrictive covenants, fiduciary issues, and trademark and franchise litigation. His instinct to build a case from the ground up — organizing documents, stress-testing the evidence, and anticipating tactical moves — helps clients stay focused on their goals and their business while he manages the demands and momentum of high-value litigation.
David’s community association practice draws on the same discipline applied to a different ecosystem: volunteer boards, property managers, long-term budgeting, community infrastructure, and substantial property holdings. David guides associations through contract negotiations and disputes, fiduciary issues, compliance concerns, and transition matters, including construction defects and financial shortfalls. Beyond his legal practice, David has invested years in the community association industry through leadership roles, education, and long-standing involvement with the Community Associations Institute (“CAI”). In both roles, he gives boards structure, context, and confidence, ensuring they understand association rights, obligations and options as a community evolves.
In his decades of practice, David’s work has become defined by an assertive advocacy and plain-spoken candor that puts his clients, not other parties, in the driver’s seat. He takes control from the outset, building a strategy designed to keep a matter moving on his terms. His meticulous preparation — mastering documents, organizing facts, and scrutinizing every position — limits the unexpected and ensures each step serves the strategy he has mapped out. Clients trust his unvarnished assessments and his ability to help them make grounded, informed decisions in demanding situations.
Away from the office, David stays closely connected to the things that matter most to him — his family, his community, and sports. He and his wife have raised two sons, coached multiple youth sports teams, and continue to support the Breakthrough T1D (formally Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/JDRF), a cause his family holds deeply. A lifelong basketball fan, his competitive streak shows up off the court and in the courtroom, a reminder of the drive and energy he brings to everything he does.
Secured a $26 million judgment for a food product manufacturer in a New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act case, including legal fees, affirmed in full on appeal
Recovered almost $7,000,000 for condominium association with construction defects some thought had little value
Discovered undisclosed conflict by defendant developer post-arbitration in construction defect case that resulted in settlement for over three times amount of tainted award
Achieved dismissal on behalf of hospital of $1 million claim for alleged breach of contract with laundry service provider and recovered portion of legal fees on counterclaim for consumer fraud
Secured permanent injunction in Federal Court against defendants for violation of non-disparagement clause after preliminary injunction hearing was converted to trial on the merits
Successfully resolved extremely contentious shareholder lawsuits where continued operations were in serious jeopardy for clients providing auto and truck repairs, bank support services, food and beverage and retail sales
Defended corporate tenant in eviction action in which, after trial, landlord’s claims were found to have no merit and judgment was entered in favor of tenant on its counterclaims with recovery of all legal fees and costs
Obtained injunctions in Federal Court to enjoin infringers of trademarks for major food franchisors
Community Associations Institute (CAI) Keystone Chapter, Board of Directors (Former), Executive Committee (Former), Finance Committee (Former), Engagement Committee Chair (2022), President (2023)
Burlington County Bar Association, Chair of the Federal Practice Committee (2023/2024 and 2025/2026)
New Jersey State Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association
American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising
Breakthrough T1D (formally Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/ (JDRF), Supporter and Fundraiser
NJBIZ Forty Under 40, 2008
A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
“Preliminary Injunctions in Federal Court – Practice Tips in Navigating Fed. R. Civ. P.65,” Burlington County Bar Association – The Straight Word,” December 2024
“President’s Article, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter,” Community Assets Magazine, November/December 2023
“President’s Article, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter,” Community Assets Magazine, September/October 2023
“President’s Article, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter,” Community Assets Magazine, July/August 2023
“President’s Article, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter,” Community Assets Magazine, May/June 2023
“President’s Article, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter,” Community Assets Magazine, March/April 2023
“President’s Article, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter,” Community Assets Magazine, January/February 2023
“Get Plugged-In On Car Charging in NJ Community Associations – Legislature Goes Green!” Co-author, Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP e-Alert, February 2021
“NJ Non-Essential Construction Activity Shut Down and Retail Limitations,” Co-author, Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP e-Alert, April 2020
“Community Associations: Steps After Developer Relinquishes Control of the Board,” New Jersey Law Journal, October 2018
“The $25 Million Question: What Law Applies?” New Jersey Law Journal, March 2017
“The Common Interest Rule – A Forgotten Tool?” New Jersey Law Journal, June 2016
“The Statute of Limitations & Transition,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter (since renamed the Keystone Chapter) Community Assets Magazine,” May/June 2016
“Commercial Condominiums in NJ and PA,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter,” July 2015
“Commercial Condominium Projects,” Wolf Commercial Real Estate, #Information Friday, July 2015
“Q&A: Rules for Renters,” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, November 2014
“Q&A: New Parking Allocation Unfair,” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, January 2014
“Q&A: Dog Size a Weighty Issue,” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, December 2013
“Clubhouse For Rent – Renting Amenities for Revenue,” 2010 Yale Robbins, Inc.
“Q&A: Clubhouse Rental,” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, November 2007
“Q&A: Collateral Damages,” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, August 2007
“Q&A: Parking Complexity,” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, June 2007
“Q&A: No Service? No Fees!” The New Jersey Cooperator, The Condo, HOA & Co-op Monthly, March 2007
“Stop Beating a Dead Horse – Draft expert reports are not discoverable,” New Jersey Law Journal, May 2005
“What to Know About the Use of AI,” Co-presenter, Burlington County Bar Association Federal Practice Committee (CLE), January 2026
“Strengthen Your Community Contracts,“ Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter’s New Jersey Regional Council Mini Trade Show & Education Forum, Co-presenter, November 2025
“Understanding Governing Documents,” Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter, Co-presenter, December 2024
“Alcohol in Common Areas-Good Idea or Bad?” Co-presenter, Community Associations Institute, Keystone Chapter 2024 Community Live! (annual conference and expo), April 2024
“NJ Structural Integrity Legislation: Understanding Its Impact,” Moderator, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter New Jersey Regional Council Education Symposium, February 2024
President Opening Remarks and Host, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 Annual Excellence Awards Gala, November 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 New Jersey Regional Council Mini Trade Show and Education Forum, November 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 Mary Ann McNulty Memorial Golf Classic, October 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 New Jersey Regional Council Legislative Symposium and Happy Hour, September 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 Elevate: 2023 High Rise Conference, June 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 Community Live! (annual conference and expo), April 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 New Jersey Regional Council Education Symposium, February 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 State of the Industry Breakfast, January 2023
President Opening Remarks, Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2023 Committee Retreat, January 2023
“Don’t Be Battle Scarred: Winning Construction Defect Lawsuits,” – Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter 2022 Community Live Conference & Expo, April 2022
“Closely Held Business Disputes – Managing Business Divorce Litigation,” Burlington County Bar Association, January 2022
“Recently Adopted Rules of FHA Certification May Help Your Condo Association,” 2021 Conference and Expo for the Community Associations Institute Keystone Chapter, June 2021
“NJ Legal & Legislative Update,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter (since renamed the Keystone Chapter) 2020 New Jersey Regional Mini Trade Show, November 2020
“Board Governance Issues: How to Protect the Board and Association from Liability,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter Shine On 2020 Conference & Expo, September 2020
“Transition & Reserves,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter New Jersey Regional Council, February 2020
“Transition from Start to Finish: From Developer to Homeowner Control,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter Managers Symposium, March 2019
“Legislative and Case Law Update,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter seminar, September 2017
“Legislative and Case Law Update,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter seminar, November 2016
“How to Read Financial Documents, Audits, and Reserve Studies,” Moderator, Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter seminar, February 2016
“Legislative and Case Law Update,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter seminar, February 2015
“Handling Discovery in an Ethical Manner,” The Burlington County Bar Association’s Commercial Law Subcommittee, April 2014
“Charitable Planning in 2014,” Community Foundation of South Jersey seminar, March 2014
“Collections,” Target Property Management, 1st Annual Education Expo, June 2013
“The Dos and Don’ts of Expert Selection and Communications,” The Burlington County Bar Association’s Civil Practice Section, March 2013
“The Essentials of Community Association Volunteer Leadership,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter seminar, February 2013
“Governing Documents and FHA Approval,” Community Associations Institute Pennsylvania & Delaware Valley Chapter seminar, November 2012
“Good Intentions, Bad Decisions,” Associa MAMCO Property Management seminar, February 2012
“Transition of Community from Developer to Association,” Target Property Management seminar, August, 2011
“Alternative Dispute Resolution for Community Associations,” Associa MAMCO Property Management seminar, July 2011
