MACON – Karen J. Sneddon, interim dean of Mercer University School of Law, appointed David Hricik as the new associate dean for faculty research and development, effective Oct. 5. The associate dean for faculty research and development supports faculty efforts in teaching, research and scholarship.

“Professor Hricik is a committed scholar, teacher and leader,” said Sneddon. “I know he will bring a thoughtful approach to the role of associate dean for faculty research and development, and I look forward to working with him to support and amplify the work of our faculty.”

Hricik joined Mercer Law School’s faculty in 2002. Prior to his academic career, he practiced with Baker Botts LLP and small litigation boutiques where he litigated cases primarily involving patent infringement, legal malpractice and general complex commercial matters. Hricik also served as of counsel to Taylor English Duma LLP, where he represented clients in patent, trademark, legal malpractice and other complex litigation. 

At Mercer, Hricik teaches courses in legal ethics, patent law and litigation, and federal civil procedure. He is a member of the American Law Institute and a fellow of the American Intellectual Property Law Association. He authored the only treatise on ethical issues in patent litigation and co-authored the only treatise on ethical issues in patent prosecution.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to enhance our internal community, to help faculty to become even better at teaching students to be practice-ready, and also to continuing to communicate the important service, scholarship and other contributions of each faculty member to the bench, bar and the academy,” said Hricik.

About the School of Law

Founded in 1873, Mercer University School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the United States and the first one in the state of Georgia accredited by the American Bar Association. Mercer Law School’s educational philosophy is based on a broadly shared commitment to prepare students for the high-quality, general practice of law in a day-to-day learning environment that is both strongly supportive and consistently professional. Its innovative Woodruff Curriculum – which focuses on ethics and practical skills amid small class sizes – twice earned the Gambrell Professionalism Award from the ABA for its “depth of excellence.” With an enrollment of about 375 students, Mercer Law School is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs in legal writing, moot court, experiential education, and ethics and professionalism. For more information, visit law.mercer.edu.