After more than 15 years in the legal office and administration of a major state university system, Dave partners with higher education clients to solve problems. He practices from Bloomington, Indiana as a member of our virtual office, The Link.
Dave began his career in higher education administration but always had an interest in the legal field. A law course taken while earning his master’s degree only encouraged this interest, and Dave went on to enroll in law school, join a firm, and practice labor and employment; however, he soon found himself eager to return to the college campus world. In 2007, Dave accepted a position as associate general counsel at Indiana University and never looked back. Deeply enthusiastic about the educational mission of colleges and universities, he loved supporting the school, its students, and its faculty.
Although he continues to serve as a professor of both business and law courses at Indiana University, Dave joined Husch Blackwell on a part-time basis in 2024, eager to broaden his impact to additional institutions. His choice of Husch Blackwell was a highly intentional one, thanks to the firm’s growing reputation as a leader in higher education law. Dave supports client schools in the midst of crises and emergencies, offers guidance throughout investigations and litigation, and provides general legal counsel and advice. He is also available for secondments to colleges and universities needing additional support in their legal offices.
As Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at IU, Dave served more than 47,000 students, managed a budget of $47 million, and oversaw an overhaul of nearly every aspect of student administration and student life. He also founded and implemented both a care and resource center and a student involvement and leadership center on campus that helped transform a massive institution into a warmer and more inclusive environment for its students. Dave’s goal was for every student to feel truly cared for, and his efforts led the IU student government to name him the “Best Dean of Students Ever” in 2023. His approach in his role as IU’s associate general counsel and later chief litigation counsel was similar: he wanted internal clients to see the legal office as a trusted advisor and partner and as someone they were eager to call.
Dave aims for the firm’s clients to feel much the same way. He can readily step into their shoes, with great insight into the unique challenges of the higher education world thanks to his time at IU. First and foremost a problem solver, Dave is happy to sit down with any client and find the best solution to any situation.