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Overview

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.

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.

Industry

Service

Recognition

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review rating by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Indiana University:
    • IU Student Government “Best Dean of Students Ever” Award and Proclamation, 2023
    • Lauren Robel Deans and Directors Excellence Award, 2023
    • Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life Outstanding Dedication and Service Award, 2023
    • Provost Medal Award Honoree, 2021
    • Bicentennial Medal Award Honoree, 2020

Education

  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School
    • magna cum laude
  • M.S., Indiana University
  • B.A., DePauw University

Admissions

  • Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Dave is associated with the Chicago office for telephone and mail purposes only. He is not admitted to practice in Illinois.



*Dave works remotely and is licensed in Indiana, practicing in Bloomington, IN. Contact Dave via email or telephone for in-person/virtual meetings. Use our Chicago office address for mail/deliveries only.
Experience
  • Served as chief student affairs officer and Dean of Students for Indiana University Bloomington, serving more than 47,000 undergraduate and graduate students, providing passionate and inspirational leadership to foster a caring, engaging, healthy, safe, and inclusive community.
  • Acted as CEO for the Division of Student Affairs, the Indiana Memorial Union, Recreational Sports, Bradford Woods, and the IU Student Health Center as a part of Indiana University's Responsibility Centered Management model.
  • Oversaw and managed a comprehensive $47 million student affairs portfolio comprised of over 600 staff across 22 departments and services.
  • Represented the Division of Student Affairs and the University to the media, the public, local and state government agencies, and professional associations.
  • Advised high-level administrators, faculty, and staff of the nine-campus, 90,000-student, Indiana University system regarding legal matters arising from the day-to-day management and operation of the institution.
  • Supervised, directed, coordinated, and evaluated the work of outside law firms hired to represent Indiana University in litigation. Managed the majority of Indiana University's legal cases involving high profile and/or multiple and complex legal issues.
  • Served as chief union negotiator for the entire Indiana University system.
Outside the Office

Dave loves to travel and aims to see as much of the world as he can. He names his favorite destinations so far as New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Costa Rica, while Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a very special place for family vacations every year.

When he’s at home in Indiana, much of Dave’s free time is devoted to watching his two teens play sports.

Community Leadership
  • Monroe County Alcoholic Beverage Board, Commissioner, 2018-present
  • Indiana Historical Society, Board of Trustees, 2023-present
  • Indiana University Healthy IU Steering Committee, 2017-2020