David J. Fickel
Adjunct Professor of Law
Tel: (419) 213-5600 - US Bankruptcy Court
Fax: 419-772-3514
Email: David_Fickel@ohnb.uscourts.gov
Biography:
David J. Fickel is currently serving as Clerk of court in Charge of the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio at Toledo. He received
a B.A. from Gettysburg College in 1975 and his J.D. from the University of
Toledo College of Law in 1978. Upon graduation from law school, Professor
Fickel practiced substantially in bankruptcy, contracts and consumer law. He
litigated early Truth in Lending issues, Hill-Burton claims and emerging debtor
defenses involving warranties, unlawful creditor solicitations and prepaid
contracts in both state and federal courts. Later practice experience involved
representation of both debtors and creditors in consumer and business bankruptcy
matters, employment law issues, and litigation on contract rights.
In 1982 Professor Fickel joined the Bankruptcy Court staff as the Estate
Administrator, supervising the work of panel trustees and other professionals,
conducting administrative hearings and monitoring case administration.
He has been an adjunct law professor at Ohio Northern University since 1986. He
has also lectured as a visiting professor at the University of Toledo College of
Law since 1994 on bankruptcy related courses. Professor Fickel is a frequent
speaker on a national basis for the Federal Judicial Center and at local bar
association and continuing legal education seminars on bankruptcy case
administration. In 1996 he was invited to present suggested Bankruptcy Code
amendments in a hearing before the National Bankruptcy Review Commission.
Among other academic and community involvements, Professor Fickel has served
as President of Taft Inn of Court at ONU Law and as Founding President of the
Waite Inn of Court at Toledo. He is past President of the Board of Trustees for
Toledo Legal Aid and organized the Corporation for Legal Assistance to the Poor.
He served for ten years on the Board for Goodwill Industries in NW Ohio. He
currently serves on the Board for Public Defender Services in Lucas County.
