Overview

David serves as the firm’s managing partner and works closely with clients, lawyers, and staff to determine and implement Michael Best’s strategic growth and development plan.

In this capacity, his priorities include building and maintaining productive client relationships; enhancing value of the firm’s services through improved business operations and flexible fee structures; and attracting and retaining a diverse group of top-tier legal and business talent on both a regional and national level.

Over the past 25 years, David has been instrumental in Michael Best’s growth into a national presence serving clients across the globe. While the firm has expanded to more than 300 lawyers and professionals who perform sophisticated work on a broad basis, Michael Best’s principles, including strong client partnerships and an entrepreneurial approach fueled by the spirit of collaboration, remain unchanged. David aims to ensure a continued commitment to the firm’s core values as it moves forward along a trajectory of growth and expansion.

 

David joined Michael Best in 1990 as a summer clerk. He has served as managing partner since 2008 and continues to guide the firm’s management committee following his tenure as the committee’s chair.

Experience

David’s role as managing partner and experience in various leadership roles within the firm provide him with a unique perspective on advising business owners, officers, and directors regarding the implementation of strategic plans and best practices for risk management while pursuing business opportunities. 

David is a leader in the field of construction law. He has extensive experience in the areas of construction lien law requirements, construction-related insurance claims, claims for extra costs, design-build contracts, and systems integration disputes arising from construction projects. A significant portion of David’s practice is devoted to the drafting of construction-related contracts and contract negotiations. He represents a wide variety of clients, including general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and institutional owners.

David is a skilled litigator with extensive experience serving as first chair in trials and arbitrations in an array of construction-related matters. His ability to simplify complex construction matters for juries, judges, and arbitrators alike make David highly effective in the court room.

A deep understanding of the dispute side of construction law increases David’s ability to serve as effective and proactive project counsel. He understands the need to get deals done as efficiently as possible, while managing risks and avoiding the delays of litigation. When problems arise, David guides clients through the resolution process and zealously advocates on their behalf when necessary.

Honors & Recognitions

  • Wisconsin's 275 Most Influential Business Leaders, BizTimes, 2023
  • Litigation Star, Construction, Benchmark Litigation, 2013-present
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, Construction Law, 2007-present
  • The Midwest’s Best Lawyers©, Construction Law, 2021
  • Milwaukee "Lawyer of the Year" in construction law, The Best Lawyers in America®, 2015, 2024
  • "Leading Lawyers," Milwaukee's M Magazine, 2015
  • “Wisconsin Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers Magazine in the area of Construction/Surety, 2007-2008, 2011-present

Professional Activities

  • Member, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Construction and Public Contract Law Section
  • Member, Milwaukee Bar Association

Education

Bar Admission

Court Admissions

Community Involvement

  • Board Member, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
  • Board Trustee, Mount Mary University
  • Board Member, Brookfield Economic Development Committee
  • Past Board Member, Greater Milwaukee Committee
  • Past Board Member, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

Insights

Education

Bar Admission

Court Admissions

Community Involvement

  • Board Member, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
  • Board Trustee, Mount Mary University
  • Board Member, Brookfield Economic Development Committee
  • Past Board Member, Greater Milwaukee Committee
  • Past Board Member, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
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