PUBLISHED:November 16, 2009

Ichel '78 assumes leadership of Duke Law Board of Visitors

David Ichel ’78, a longtime volunteer and supporter of Duke Law School, has succeeded Michael Dockterman as chair of Duke Law School’s Board of Visitors (BOV). Ichel previously has served as co-chair of the Law School’s Building Campaign Committee and as a member of reunion committees, and the Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. He also is a past chair of the New York Metropolitan Duke Law School Alumni Association.

“David Ichel is a dedicated volunteer who cares deeply about Duke Law, its faculty and students,” Dean David F. Levi says. “He knows the school and our community, and he is committed to helping us build on the loyalty and enthusiasm of our alumni body as we continue to move Duke Law forward even in challenging times.”

“As we welcome David into his new role, we are grateful to Michael Dockterman for his leadership these past two years,” Levi adds. “His counsel to me during my transition to the Law School was invaluable, and I am indebted to him for his efforts in introducing me to the Duke Law community and in helping all of us shape our priorities and goals for the future.”

Ichel is a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York City where he focuses on a wide range of complex commercial litigation, including securities and banking litigation, class action defense, product liability and mass tort defense, antitrust and unfair trade practice claims, defamation, insurance coverage, and insurance company insolvency litigation.

“I look forward to building on the enormous efforts and accomplishments of my predecessors as chair including Mike Dockterman ’78, Peter Kahn ’76, George Krouse ’70, Bob Montgomery ’64, and John Lowndes ’58,” Ichel says. “I plan to be available to advise Dean Levi and the Duke faculty on important issues to the Law School and to bring about even greater alumni participation in support of Duke Law School.

“I want to encourage any Duke Law alumnus who has not been back to the Law School in recent years to come and visit the tremendous new facility, see how energized and accomplished today’s students are, and get involved,” Ichel adds. “I guarantee it will raise your spirits.”