Meet BWJP’s National Domestic Violence and Firearms Resource Center Director
Over the course of his career, David has exhibited a strong commitment to legal and policy work on behalf of survivors of domestic violence, and particularly the impact of firearms on the safety of survivors, their families and their communities. As a Court Commissioner, David was instrumental in developing an innovative and comprehensive county-wide protocol for firearm surrender in domestic abuse injunction cases – a pilot-project that became the framework for Wisconsin’s 2014 SAFE Act, which requires courts to ensure compliance in all injunction cases involving firearm surrender. For several years, he provided technical assistance and training statewide to guide local implementation of the SAFE Act and pilot protocols, and has shared his knowledge and experience nationwide. Prior to his ten years of service as a Court Commissioner for Winnebago County, Wisconsin, David also spent thirteen years as a Trial Staff Attorney with the Wisconsin State Public Defender in Oshkosh. Recently he returned to solo practice, specializing in criminal defense and family law. In 2008, David co-founded the Winnebago Free Legal Assistance Clinic and has been its Director ever since. The clinic dispenses legal advice and services to over 1,000 clients each year, supported entirely by volunteers. Born in Seattle, Washington, David completed his undergraduate studies in Foreign Language (German) from the University of Washington, during which he spent five years living in Cologne, West Germany. He received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1992. In his application for this position David wrote, “I believe [the effective enforcement of firearm prohibition] is one of the most important issues facing our communities and our country today….” His level of passion will surely contribute to the Resource Center’s success in promoting the enforcement of firearms prohibitions around the country. We are excited and honored to welcome David to our staff!