Managing partner
Michael Best & Friedrich | Milwaukee
David Krutz has served as managing partner of Michael Best & Friedrich since 2008. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to more than 400 lawyers and professionals. In July 2024, the firm combined with Los Angeles-based venture law firm O&A P.C., enabling Michael Best to enter the California legal market. The national firm now has 19 offices and attorneys admitted to practice in more than two dozen states.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law
The future of your industry: “The legal industry is going through disruption like most other industries in terms of technology, consolidation and innovation. Ultimately, clients will still need legal and business advice because of the ever-changing regulatory landscape and complexity of deals and disputes.”
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Economist examining how macroeconomic policies influence microeconomic decisions of businesses and individuals.”
Advice for first-time leaders: “Take time to understand and consider the motivations and concerns of those you are leading. Have some physical activity/exercise you do on a consistent basis. And be ready to make decisions based on your judgment and understand not everyone will agree with your decision, but indecision is not a good path.”
What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Continue to strengthen the educational system at all levels to provide our next generations with the foundation for individual success, which will strengthen their families and our communities.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Business Services | Law
Managing partner
Michael Best & Friedrich | Milwaukee
David Krutz joined Michael Best & Friedrich in 1990 as a summer clerk and went on to become managing partner of the Milwaukee-based law firm in 2008. A national firm with more than 350 lawyers and professionals, Michael Best specializes in corporate government relationships, political law/public policy, IP, and labor relations, among other areas.
Krutz has extensive experience in construction law, including construction lien law requirements, construction-related insurance claims, claims for extra costs, design-build contracts and systems integration disputes. Representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers and owners, he spends much of his practice time working on construction-related contracts and contract negotiations.
Participating in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Leaders at the Front initiative, Krutz made a public pledge in support of diversity, equity and inclusion at the firm. Among his personal pledges, Krutz has said he will sponsor at least two diverse professionals at Michael Best.
Krutz has served on the Brookfield Economic Development Committee and the boards of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Mount Mary University, Greater Milwaukee Committee and Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law