The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.
David Schultz was born to be a lawyer and even if given the chance to choose a different career, he can’t see himself wanting to do anything else. That likely explains his illustrious career representing companies in the accounts receivable management industry and why he has been lead counsel in defending more than 200 class action lawsuits. Read on to learn more about David and how the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on some of the things he likes most in this world.
Name: David Schultz
Job Title: Partner
Company: Hinshaw & Culbertson
Length of Time at Current Company: 25+ years. It is the only law firm I’ve worked at.
Length of Time in Industry: 25+ years.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Early in my career I was representing lawyers and law firms. They started to get sued in claims under the FDCPA. I took a crash course on it and ended up representing a number of firms. That fairly quickly morphed into representing agencies, and the debt buyers, and related financial institutions. We now have a large Consumer Financial Services practice group.
What is your career highlight so far?
The few times I’ve been involved in cases before the Supreme Court, either as defense counsel (once), amicus counsel (twice), or petitioner’s/respondent’s counsel (three times). Those were exciting. It also always is a highlight to win a big case and make law helpful to the industry.
When or how are you most productive?
When I can immerse myself in drafting a brief and shut out all the distractions. Sometimes it is only for an hour, but other times it is for half a day.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Really hard question. I’ve been blessed with great mentors and co-workers. I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant clients. I also really enjoy the comradery of the attorney networks at the trade associations – ACA, NCBA, RMA. I thus will take a pass on naming a single person.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’m sure I am not better than everyone at anything. However, I’m pretty organized and able to stay on top of things (which unfortunately often means long hours). I also pride myself on client service because that’s how you develop deep client relationships.
What do you like most about this industry?
The people. I look forward to seeing people at trade associations, hearing their stories, learning what they are doing. It is one of things COVID-19 has really messed with for me.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The FDCPA should not be a strict liability statute.
Describe a typical work day.
100 emails, dozen calls, and lots of reading and writing.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d still be a lawyer. I enjoy it. I’d just gravitate to some other niche.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Pre-COVID, it was working from home once a week and going out for a nice lunch with my wife. That has changed with Covid, restaurant closures, etc. It now seems to be Swedish fish candy. Tastes good but no nutritional value.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Read the “If” poem by Kipling. It helps, especially when doing trials.
What are you currently reading?
“Remain in Love“. A book that is basically about the Talking Heads. It has nothing to do with law, politics, economics, etc. A nice escape.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I’m younger than I look?
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Steve Zahn at PRA. An exceptional person and talent.
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.