Dana Quick '07
Providing Support During Insolvencies
Feb. 7, 2022
Dana Quick graduated from Toledo Law's evening program and embarked on a judicial clerkship that put her on a path to bankruptcy. She now practices insolvency litigation, with a focus on the investigation and prosecution of director and officer liability claims. She was recently named a partner with Bast Amron LLP handling director and officer cases across the country from Seattle and Los Angeles, to Delaware and Miami.
Dana's military family moved to Toledo when Dana was in grade school. Since early on in her life Dana wanted to become a lawyer. Even with that childhood dream, she almost didn't attend law school. After graduating from Bowsher High School, it took Dana 6 years to finish her undergraduate degree. Most of that time, she struggled to support herself by working multiple jobs. She couldn’t afford the books for classes and, without the benefit of the internet resources we have now, borrowed books from classmates when she could. By the time she finished her undergrad degree, Dana was working full time. Her grades and LSAT score were not what she had hoped but she decided to take the LSAT again and produced a much-improved LSAT score. In law school, she was a part-time evening student so that she could maintain her employment.
She had the very good fortune of externing with the Honorable William Skow on the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals during law school. While there, she had the opportunity to assist in drafting an opinion with the assistance of Judge Skow's staff attorney, Karin Coble. This was such an invaluable experience and helped immensely in her clerkship after law school.
Dana obtained a B.S. in political science and journalism from Eastern Michigan University and her J.D from The University of Toledo College of Law. After law school, she clerked for the Chief Judge Laurel M. Isicoff, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Q&A with Dana Quick
How did you make your way to Florida?
In law school, I was a member of the law review and volunteered with Court Appointed
Special Advocates). Coming into my last year of law school, I looked for a clerkship.
I wanted a federal clerkship and thought I might have a better shot at a bankruptcy
clerkship. I sent out more than 100 application packets. In the end, I received one
interview and received an offer that brought me to Miami in 2007 in the midst of the
real estate bubble.
Do you have a favorite memory from attending Toledo Law?
I really loved my evening class cohort. We were a small but close group. In our first-year
classes, we often studied together and helped each other with class notes and assignments
when life called us away from class. Since most of us had full-time jobs and/or families,
we generally had a more collaborative and less competitive take on law school. This
experience really informed how I practice law, and the kinds of people I choose to
practice with.
Did you choose to come to law school knowing exactly what you planned to do?
Absolutely not. I don't think anyone has gone into law school with the intention of
being a bankruptcy lawyer, but it is a great practice area if you are looking for
something specialized in federal practice.
What have been the major turning points in your life/career thus far?
There have been a few. The biggest was leaving my first firm to embark on a wholly
new practice area, labor and employment, in a different state from where I previously
practiced. The nice thing about having litigation in your background is that a lot
of those skills will translate even when the substantive law changes. Although I ended
up happily returning to my first firm, that change of practice gave me the opportunity
to put a few jury trials under my belt, which doesn't happen often in bankruptcy.
What role did your clerkship play in providing you with a foundation?
I spent two years as a law clerk to the Chief Judge Laurel M. Isicoff, United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. I cannot imagine a more holistic
immersion into bankruptcy law, or courtroom practice, than those two years. I also
had the good fortune of working for a judge who enjoyed mentoring students and young
lawyers. Judge Isicoff continues to be an invaluable mentor to me.
What was the most challenging aspect of law school? What helped you?
The time commitment was a struggle. For most of law school, I was working full time
and had a child at home. Four nights each week I went straight from work to class
and was lucky if I got home before my daughter was in bed. I was fortunate to have
a partner who was willing to take a leading role in caring for our daughter.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your work so far?
As a young lawyer, I struggled with asking questions when I didn't know something.
I missed out on opportunities for growth and understanding because I was afraid to
admit I didn’t know something when a more experienced attorney was discussing higher-level
or nuanced legal issues.
What concerns you?
I am concerned about a continued lack of diversity in our profession, especially in
the upper levels of law firm management across our industry and on the bench.
What have you found most satisfying?
I love opportunities to take pro bono matters. It is very important to me that I use
my skills to help those most in need.
What suggestions do you have for those who want to do what you do?
Talk to the law clerks in your local bankruptcy court. I can tell you from experience
that chambers can be a quiet experience. Clerks can give you the inside scoop on when
interesting or substantive matters are scheduled to appear before the court if you're
interested in observing.
Share the name of a leader (in the legal profession or other) you follow/identify
with -and why.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I had the incredible experience to hear her speak at Toledo Law
when I was a student. More importantly, her story and her work hold so much meaning
to me. I think of her to remind myself to continue doing what is right without apology,
even when my opponents literally tower over me.
How has the pandemic impacted your work?
During the pandemic, I went to full-time remote work with my firm. I now reside in
Austin, Texas with my wife Andrea. Between us, we have five kids and one dog. I am
licensed to practice law in Ohio, Florida, and most recently, Texas.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I can, I love playing roller derby. I'm an active member of Toledo's Glass City
Rollers. You can occasionally find me skating with them under the name Notorious RBF.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about social justice.
Is there anything else you would like alumni (or current students) to know about you?
I am the first female and first LGBTQIA+ partner at my firm.