David Nowakowski
(602) 932-8917
david@silencelaw.com

In 2015, David joined an employment law firm in St. Louis where he handled a broad range of cases and

clients in the areas of employment and labor law. These included class action wage and hour cases

requiring complex briefing for class certification. 

In 2018, David relocated to Phoenix to be closer to his parents and his brother. In Arizona, he

continued his focus on representing individuals with employment disputes, wrongful discharge,

whistleblowing, and discrimination. He joined the Arizona Employment Lawyers’ Association (AZELA).

As a member of this community of employment attorneys, David frequently gave oral presentations breaking down newly decided legal cases for the benefit of the AZELA members in their own practices. 

David joined the law firm of Gillespie Shields in Phoenix working with former EEOC counsel Chris Houk. When Mr. Houk left to start his own firm in 2019, David took over as the head of the firm’s employment practice.

In March of 2021, David joined the law firm of Kent & Wittekind. He worked for one of the most experienced trial attorneys in the state. He learned a new practice area, medical malpractice. He represented hospital systems and doctors in defending allegations of medical negligence. This experience gave David invaluable experience in understanding how defense attorneys work, including their relationship to insurers who frequently cover their attorney fees and all litigation costs. David’s knowledge of the “other side” helps clients to better understand what they are up against. 
In August 2023, David joined the Silence Law Group. 

David’s approach is sensible, streamlined, and relentless. Starting at the consultation, he will begin to think about the big picture, including what the next year will look like, what evidence will be critical at trial, the important witnesses who will need to testify, and how to calculate and show damages at trial. His belief is that preparation, active listening, and intelligent strategy will win the day. 

David became a lawyer to present cases at trial. He will never shy from taking a case the distance. When he is not working, David enjoys swimming, listening to music, reading and writing creatively, and traveling.  

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Notable Victories​

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• Represented large valley hospital system in defending complex multiple-party medical malpractice claims. 

• Represented physicians and physician practices including neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons in defending high profile medical malpractice claims. 

• Prevailed in an appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals. 

• Secured numerous favorable severance packages on behalf of employees of several Fortune 500 employers.

• Successfully defended physicians in high profile malpractice cases bringing them to a reasonable settlement. 

• Defended employer against multiple complaints brought by unionized employees before the NLRB. ​

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Presentations

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• 2021 Annual Convention for the Arizona Employment Lawyer’s Association – Use of Reptile Theory in Litigation

• 2019-2020 – Arizona Employment Lawyer’s Association – delivered numerous oral presentations breaking down recent legal decisions and their impact on employment practice in Arizona

Previous Positions

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• 22nd Circuit Court, St. Louis, Law Clerk to Judge Michael J. Burton (2013-2014)

• The Nowakowski Law Firm (2014-2015) 

• Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley, Associate (2015-2018)

• Gillespie Shields, Director of Employment Section (2019-2021)

• Kent & Wittekind, Associate (2021-2023)

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Bar Admissions

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In 2014, David was admitted to practice law in Missouri state and federal court. In 2019, he was admitted to practice law in Arizona state and federal court.