David Schwark, General Attorney

About

David is a 39-year-old attorney and advocate with a notable career marked by perseverance and dedication. After sustaining a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2002, David defied expectations, completing his education and building a successful legal career. He graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in 2004, earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 2008, and earned his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University College of Law in 2011.

With a strong commitment to public service, David served as an Assistant County Prosecutor for four years, honing his legal skills and fighting for justice. He has since spent the last nine years as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where he has worked tirelessly to protect civil rights and promote equality in education.

Known for his resilience and determination, David continues to be a passionate advocate for both his clients and the broader community.

Roles

May 2016–Present

Current role

General Attorney

U.S. Department of Education (ED), Office for Civil Rights

Ohio

• Evaluate, investigate, resolve, and monitor the resolution of complaints alleging discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2001

• Mediate complaints received by the office

• Identify relevant evidence, conduct interviews, review data, conduct legal research, and analyze information gathered under appropriate legal standard(s), and make recommendations for resolution of complaints

• Draft and negotiate complex resolution agreements to resolve complaints alleging discrimination

• Routinely draft letters to complainants and recipients of federal funding to communicate legal determinations made with respect to complaint allegations.

• Manage a large caseload

• Routinely supervised multiple attorneys as acting team leader

• Perform legal research and writing regarding emergent areas of civil rights laws.

• Provide technical assistance on civil rights laws, regulations, and agency policy to the public and recipients of federal funding

• Conducted trainings for recipients of federal funding in the areas of Section 504, Title II, and Title IX

• Mentor and train interns and new staff; coordinated summer intern program