Daniel Pelaez

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Daniel S. Pelaez, a bilingual Spanish speaker, focuses his practice on high-value civil litigation, including mass tort, product liability and personal injury matters.

Daniel’s passion for advocacy is deeply rooted in his family’s story. The son of Cuban refugees who fled the island in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, he was raised with a deep respect for justice, resilience, and the rule of law. That legacy shaped his commitment to ensuring that the legal system serves as a powerful tool for accountability and fairness—particularly for those without a voice.

Since joining Nelson & Fraenkel LLP in 2021, Daniel has been instrumental in litigating a variety of personal injury, products, and trucking cases. Shortly after joining Nelson & Fraenkel, he played a significant role in the resolution of a major international aviation product liability case involving more than 40 plaintiffs across multiple federal jurisdictions. He also has significant experience in personally conducting all aspects of litigation and alternative dispute resolution, from preparation of comprehensive demand packages to conducting and defending depositions to complete trial preparation. Prior to joining Nelson & Fraenkel, Daniel advised small businesses on corporate disputes and handled litigation from inception through trial.

His legal foundation was laid during his six years working as a paralegal, and an office administrator for sole practitioners. During this time, Daniel earned his Juris Doctor, attending evening classes while working during the days—a testament to his discipline and work ethic. He is also a graduate of the CAALA Plaintiff Trial Academy.

An active member of the legal community, Daniel serves on the Executive Committee of the Barristers and Small Firms Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) and volunteers with Counsel for Justice’s Domestic Violence Legal Services Project. As a former JusticeCorps volunteer, he has a longstanding commitment to helping self-represented litigants in navigating complex legal challenges. In every role, Daniel strives to embody the values passed down by his parents: integrity, perseverance, and a fierce belief in justice. His practice is defined not only by legal excellence but also by a deeply personal dedication to those he serves.