Texas Fifth Court of Appeals Justice David J. Schenck Rejoins Dykema’s Dallas Office

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Justice David J. Schenck to the firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group resident in its Dallas office. Schenck rejoins Dykema after serving as Justice for the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, a position for which he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry and took the oath in January 2015. He was then elected to a six-year term in 2016.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Schenck was a Member at Dykema, serving as leader of the firm’s Specialized Litigation & Advanced Motion Practice Team. In his practice, he provides counsel to clients and handles litigation and regulatory matters.

Before joining Dykema in 2012, Schenck previously served as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Texas to then-Attorney General and current Governor, Greg Abbott, and subsequently as a Commissioner of the Texas Lottery Commission.

“We are thrilled that David chose to come back to Dykema after serving his judicial appointment,” said Chris Kratovil, Managing Member of Dykema’s Dallas office. “His experience on the bench with the Fifth Circuit gives him unique insight into how to best find the most beneficial outcome in many situations. His knowledge will be a great resource to the firm and its clients.”

Schenck has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Texas Bar's highest honor—the President's Award—for his pro bono work promoting access to legal services for the underserved. He also previously served on the adjunct faculty of Southern Methodist University School of Law and the University of North Texas College of Law.

Schenck earned a J.D. from Baylor Law School as valedictorian and a B.A. from the State University of New York. Following law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Henry A. Politz, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.