David Bowker serves as a member of the Hostage US Board of Directors. He is a partner at the law firm of WilmerHale, where he chairs the firm’s International Litigation group representing foreign companies, multi-nationals, foreign states, nonprofit organizations, and individuals before U.S. courts and international tribunals.  Before joining WilmerHale, David was an attorney-adviser in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State and a graduate intern on the National Security Council staff.

He is an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law School, elected member of the American Law Institute, an Honorary Governor of the Washington Foreign Law Society, and active member of the American Society of International Law.  He frequently publishes and lectures at legal conferences and has been recognized for his support of non-governmental organizations and the defense of human rights.

David earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (“Boalt Hall”), his M.A. from The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I support Hostage US because it exists for an important and noble purpose:  to support and advise families as they confront the painful and difficult challenges that arise when a family member is taken hostage.  Having served as counsel for hostages and the wrongfully imprisoned and their families, I have come to appreciate that the legal aspects of these cases comprise only one or two dimensions in a much more complicated, multi-dimensional crisis.  Thankfully, Hostage US was created to provide the knowledge and support that family members need to deal with the practical and emotional sides of these crises.  I am proud to be a part of such a worthwhile organization.”