David S. Gaines, Jr.

David S. Gaines, Jr. is a trial attorney at Miller, Kistler & Campbell, where he focuses on complex commercial litigation, municipal liability, and professional defense. He has represented major businesses and government entities in high-stakes cases involving medical malpractice, business torts, wage claims, and employment discrimination across Pennsylvania.

David earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from American University’s Washington College of Law, where he received top student honors (book awards) in constitutional law, criminal law, and legal clinic courses. While there, he served as Note and Comment Editor for the Administrative Law Review and earned recognition from the Moot Court Honor Society for leadership. He also holds a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field from Penn State University, graduating with high honors.

Before joining his current firm, David gained valuable experience with the U.S. Department of Justice, working on civil rights litigation, and with the Honorable Reggie B. Walton in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. These roles sharpened his litigation skills and deepened his understanding of complex federal legal issues.

David S. Gaines, Jr. is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and before the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, as well as the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. He serves on the board of governors for the Centre County Bar Association and is active in the municipal law section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Recognized as a Super Lawyer, he is also deeply involved in the State College community, including leadership roles with local nonprofit organizations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Miller, Kistler & Campbell
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Member, Centre County Bar Association
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Municipal Law Council

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania

Education

• American University, Washington College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California, Santa Barbara
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Pennsylvania State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges