News Archive

Most international LL.M. students at IU McKinney are quite new to the United States.

Thus, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven H. David’s first remark during their Contract Law for LL.M. Students class may shock them.

Justice David, ’82, was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court in 2010 and serves as the senior member of the court. Prior to being named to the Indiana Supreme Court, he built a multi-faceted career of private practice, corporate counsel experience, and service as a military lawyer. He is currently an adjunct professor at IU McKinney School of Law.
 
“I tell every new class – there are two things that you need to know about me,” Justice David says.

“One, is that ‘I care.’ Two, is that ‘I don’t care.’”
 
He explains: “First, I care. What does that mean?”
 
“I care about every student. I worry about every student. I want every student to have a great experience at McKinney and in Indiana.”

He continues: “Second, I don’t care. What does that mean?”
 
“I don’t care what country my students are from or what their personal politics are,” he says.
 
“My students may return to practice law in their home countries, stay here in the U.S. to continue their studies, or they may plan to work here in the U.S. Regardless of these personal desires or goals, my job is to teach and be taught.”

Since the law school building is just a stone’s throw away from the State Capitol, Justice David points out, LL.M. students can easily gain all sorts of American educational legal experience.
 
Downtown Indianapolis offers the entire gamut of experiential learning opportunities the United States can offer – ranging from courtroom and legislative chambers, private law firms, not-for-profit organizations, corporate legal departments, and state agencies. LL.M. students earn academic and pro bono credits for participating in McKinney’s academic, pro bono, and clinical programs.

“I want them to take advantage that they are studying a few blocks away from downtown Indianapolis,” Justice David says. “I want them to be better lawyers. If they are better lawyers, then our profession –¬ worldwide – is better! And the clients we serve are better served.”
 
“In the end, these students become part of my extended family,” he says. “I have had students extern with my chambers. I have met their parents. I have visited them in their home countries. I have taught lawyers from different countries and stay in regular contact with many of them.”
 
“Each student should feel safe in my classroom and feel a sense of belonging,” he says.