David A. Locke

An experienced litigator, David Locke helps to continue Stuart & Branigin's long-time commitment to the defense of railroads. He brings this dedication and focus to bear in depositions, hearings, trials, and appeals.

David's affinity for the law was early apparent when his 1994 Note, titled "Counterspeech as an Alternative to Prohibition: Proposed Federal Regulation of Tobacco Promotion in American Motorsport," was selected for publication in his school's principal law review, the Indiana Law Journal. The Note provided a unique bridge between his earlier profession as a racing driver in the Sports Car Club of America's Can-Am Challenge Cup series and a career in the law. David went on to become editor-in-chief of the Indiana Law Journal.

"After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, I served as a federal law clerk for the late Chief Judge Allen Sharp, which really helped focus and refine the research and writing skills I developed through my work with the Indiana Law Journal," says David.

He then turned to private practice with Stuart & Branigin, and his first solo jury trial resulted in a defense verdict for the client. David also has obtained favorable decisions in every one of the appeals he has handled. He has received Martindale-Hubbell's top, AV® peer-review rating from fellow lawyers and judges.

David has been admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and holds memberships in the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and other professional associations.

Outside the office, he has served as president of the Lafayette Christian School Board of Trustees and is back on the race track in the Sports Car Club of America's club racing program.

Education

• Butler University, B.A., 1992; Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington, J.D., 1995

Honors

• Butler University Honors Program, high honors in history, 1992
• Editor-in-Chief of the Indiana Law Journal, 1994-1995
• Law Clerk to the Honorable Allen Sharp, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, 1995-1997

Bar Admission

• Indiana, 1995
• U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, 1995
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1996
• U.S. Supreme Court, 2005

Professional Associations

• Tippecanoe County Bar Association
• Indiana State Bar Association (Council member Appellate Practice Section, 2004-2005)
• Bar Association of the Seventh Federal Circuit
• American Bar Association
• Supreme Court Historical Society
• Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
• Defense Research Institute
• National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel

Civic / Charitable Activities

• Lafayette Christian School, Board of Trustees, executive board member, 2006-2009 (Tuition Treasurer, 2006-2007; Vice President, 2007-2008; President, 2008-2009)

Publications / Presentations

• "Counterspeech as an Alternative to Prohibition: Proposed Federal Regulation of Tobacco Promotion in American Motorsport," 70 Ind. L.J. 217 (1994)