Dave Kiefer
Senior Attorney, Litigation, FedEx Ground
Fox Rothschild, 2016-2018
- J.D., Harvard Law School, 2011
- M.A. in Speech Communication, Miami University, 2009
- B.A., Centenary College of Louisiana, 2005
What attracted you to your position at FedEx Ground?
What excited me the most was the opportunity to take on a unique role at a company that would allow me to continue to work in the courtroom. Typically as an in-house litigation lawyer, you’re mostly managing litigation. But at FedEx, I’m expected to be first chair or lead lawyer on our cases. I get the benefits of working in-house, which is diving deep into counseling a single client, while at the same time I get to run my cases and be an elite player.
My caseload ranges from single-plaintiff employment discrimination matters to pretty robust statewide and nationwide class actions. I love that I can then affect change within the company by taking the lessons learned from those cases. I provide feedback to our business partners on how to mitigate risk and ensure that we avoid similar issues going forward.
What kind of professional advice would you give to recent graduates or new associates?
Look for people who you connect with and are in alignment with your values. I still remember my on-campus interview at Harvard, when I met with Bill Stassen, a trial partner in the Philadelphia office at Fox. I sensed immediately that he was an authentic person and skilled lawyer, and it felt like a good fit. I had very positive experiences with my mentors when I was a summer associate at Fox. I would advise young lawyers to look for people who can teach you new skills and with whom you feel comfortable.
Did you know that you wanted to become a lawyer early in your career?
I always thought I was going to be a sports writer. While working on my Master’s degree in Speech Communication, I had a professor who did jury counseling as part of his communications work and piqued my interest in the law. I realized that I could apply my interest and skills in writing and public speaking to practicing law, especially in court.
At first, I combined the law with my interest in sports – I was an editor at the Harvard Journal of Sports & Entertainment Law and clerked for the National Basketball Players Association. When I had the opportunity to practice litigation, I found out that I enjoy being in court. I’m still passionate about sports, now more as a hobby.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My kids – we have two small children and one on the way – keep me busy. It’s a lot of fun. I’m a tee-ball coach for my oldest. I’m also a volunteer baseball coach for an inclusive program that allows kids age five and older with special needs to learn and play the fundamentals of baseball.
