About Karate Law/About Kaufman Law/About Mr. Kaufman/Professional Credentials/Education

About Karate Law
The need for Karate Law, the Martial Arts Law Center of Kaufman Law, first became apparent in May 2002. David Kaufman, founder of Kaufman Law, was visiting a tournament promoted by a friend of his, and mentioned that he was a lawyer. Within a few hours several athletes, school owners and promoters approached him and asked him for counsel and advice about some of the topics listed on the Martial Arts Law page of this site. Within a few weeks Kaufman Law had been consulted or retained by four martial arts schools, three martial arts promoters and several athletes to represent them in one legal matter or another. By August, 2002, it was clear that no other attorney or law firm in the United States had Mr. Kaufman's unique background of martial arts experience and legal training. This background was exactly what the martial arts community needed.

Because of Mr. Kaufman's 40 years in the martial arts, we understand the legal issues and problems of the martial artist. We take an aggressive approach to resolving our clients' legal concerns. This does not mean that litigation is the first option; to the contrary, litigation is the last option. However, we have won favorable verdicts because of Mr. Kaufman's ability to explain martial arts problems in legal terms, his ability to draw information from hostile witnesses and his aggressive protection of our clients.

About Karate Law/About Kaufman Law/About Mr. Kaufman/Professional Credentials/Education

About Kaufman Law
Kaufman Law was founded in late 1999 by David Zachary Kaufman in order to provide aggressive legal services to individuals and businesses. We provide the same high quality litigation and business-related legal services as larger firms at more flexible rates, with more personal service, and with fewer conflicts of interest. Kaufman Law does not advertise; virtually all Kaufman Law's clients come to us on referral from either satisfied clients or other attorneys.

We take an aggressive approach to resolving our clients' legal concerns. This does not mean that litigation is the first option; to the contrary, litigation is the last option. But our clients always appreciate our understanding of how business decisions are made and our ability to frame these decisions in cost-effective terms. Second, any client consulting Kaufman Law can absolutely rely upon our complete discretion. Third, we have won favorable verdicts in the overwhelming majority of our cases, primarily because of Mr. Kaufman's ability to draw information from hostile witnesses and his aggressive protection of our his clients.

About Mr. Kaufman

David Kaufman combines doctorates in law and economics with 41 years experience in the martial arts. Mr. Kaufman, in addition to being an Adjunct Professor of Law at George Mason University School of Law, is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Mu Duk Kwon Tang Soo Do, holds 5th Degree Black Belts in Kendo and Iedo, and is a Kodokan-trained Judoka. He operated his own Dojo for 10 years before going to law school and has organized tournaments and represented martial arts associations and groups.

Mr. Kaufman currently owns and operates Kaufman Martial Arts and is the Director of Ju-Jitsu for the Potomac Valley District of the U.S. Amateur Athletic Union. Mr. Kaufman understands the issues that can arise when training, teaching or promoting the martial arts. He can and has testified on

• Self defense techniques;
• The standard of care expected of a black belt;
• Karate/judo/jujitsu techniques and their effectiveness;
• Standard of care for martial arts school owners; and
• Excessive force.

Professional Credentials

Martial Arts Activities

• 6th Degree Black Belt and instructor in Mu Duk Kwon Tang Soo Do
• 5th Degree Black Belt in Myo Sim Kendo
• 5th Degree Black Belt in Myo Sim Iaido
• 41 years experience in the martial arts
• 12 years experience as martial arts school owner
• Director of Ju-Jitsu for the Potomac Valley District of the U.S. Amateur Athletic
• Union
• US AAU Tae Kwon Do referee Class C ;
• US AAU Ju-Jitsu referee Class AA
• Recipient of Lifetime achievement award for excellence in the Martial Arts and
• dedication to Bushido from Roberts
• Karate;
• Nominated for membership in the Karateworld Black Belt Hall of Fame

Legal Experience

Kaufman Law, Fairfax, VA 1999 to present
George Mason University School of Law, 1994 to Present. Adjunct Professor of Environmental Law and Complex Litigation
Skirble & Associates, Fairfax, VA October 1996 to 1999. Of Counsel, Litigation.
The Harker Firm, Washington, D.C. December 1992 to September 1996. Associate, Environmental Law.
The Harker Firm, Washington, D.C. December 1992 to September 1996. Associate, Environmental Law. Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly, Washington D.C. August 1991 to December 1992. Environmental Law.
Kaufman & Associates, Springfield, VA 1988-1991. Economist consulting on Superfund and other regulatory issues.
U.S. Dep't of Energy, Office of Policy Planning and Analysis, Washington, D.C.1978-1988. Economist.

Professional Membership

Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, U.S. Bankruptcy Court E.D. VA, United States Supreme Court and Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and D.C. Circuit Bars.

Education

George Mason University School of Law (Arlington, VA)
J.D. (with Distinction), May 1991
Class Rank: 2 of 168
Honors and Activities
GMU Law Review, Member 1989 - 1990, Manuscripts Editor 1990 - 1991
Winner, GMU School of Law Environmental Moot Court Competition
National Competitor, Pace University Law School, Third Annual National
Environmental Moot Court
National Winner, Ass'n of Trial Lawyers of America Environmental Essay Contest

Utah State University (Logan, UT)
Ph.D., Economics (Resources)

Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA)
A.B., Economics