David Walters
Creative Global General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; Dynamic and Inclusive Leader
- Role
- Divisional Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Abbott
- Location
- Chicago, IL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About David Walters
I am a seasoned legal executive who has built a career at the intersection of law, business strategy, and global leadership. I have deep experience guiding senior executives and boards through decisive decisions—balancing risk with opportunity and ensuring that legal strategy enables business growth rather than slowing it down.Today, I lead legal teams across multiple business units and geographies, navigating challenges in 40+ countries. My work spans complex commercial transactions, M&A, global compliance, R&D development, manufacturing expansion, ESG, IP protection, and regulatory strategy. I’ve negotiated transformative deals, overseen litigation readiness, and managed public exposure in industries where reputation and trust are paramount.Earlier in my career, I was a litigator with extensive trial and appellate experience, arguing appeals before federal courts, co authoring Supreme Court amicus briefs, and working alongside DOJ, SEC, and USMC JAG on precedent setting matters. That foundation shaped me into a fierce advocate for justice and pragmatic risk mitigation.Beyond the corporate sphere, I’ve applied my leadership skills in creative and community settings—founding a NFP theater organization, and coaching youth sports at high levels, including leading Team Switzerland to the Europe/Africa final. These experiences taught me how to build dynamic teams, foster collaboration, and lead with empathy and adaptability.At my core, I am an agile learner and mentor. I thrive in fast paced, evolving environments, quickly mastering new domains and helping others grow into leaders themselves. Whether guiding executives through complex governance, negotiating a global transaction, or coaching a team to success, I bring clarity, creativity, and a steady hand to every challenge.
Experience
Divisional Vice President and Associate General Counsel
Jan 2023 — Present · Chicago, IL, US
Education
University of Notre Dame Law School
Doctor of Law - JD
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science - BS
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