Dear Maine Law Community,
It is with deep gratitude that I write to share news of a transformational gift to the University of Maine School of Law.
Through his estate, Dr. Edward David, M.D., J.D. ’87, has made an extraordinary $500,000 gift to Maine Law, the most significant single philanthropic commitment in our school’s history and a milestone moment for our community.
His generous estate gift is unrestricted, which provides Maine Law with essential flexibility to support areas of greatest need and opportunity. This flexibility allows the law school to invest in student scholarships, strengthen academic and experiential programs, support faculty excellence, and advance strategic initiatives that ensure continued growth and impact. In this way, Dr. David’s legacy of service, intellectual rigor, and commitment to the public good will continue to shape our institution and the generations of lawyers who will follow.
Dr. David was a distinguished physician, public servant, and proud Maine Law alumnus whose life was defined by service, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Maine. Born in New York City in 1939 and raised in White Plains, he spent formative summers at Camp Tall Timbers in the Sebago Lake region, where he developed a lifelong love of Maine and the outdoors. He graduated from Allegheny College in 1961 and from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1965, later completing his internship at Maine Medical Center. After serving in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and contributing to groundbreaking research on the transmission of kuru, he completed a neurology residency and ultimately became board certified in clinical neurophysiology.
In 1972, Ed was recruited to Bangor to join Neurology Associates of Eastern Maine. He later became Chief of the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratories at Eastern Maine Medical Center. In 1980, he stepped away from full time medical practice and began a new chapter of public service as a medical examiner for the State of Maine. Appointed Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in 1988, he served in that role with distinction for 36 years. Throughout his career, he brought thoughtful leadership, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to public service.
Driven by a desire to deepen his engagement at the intersection of law, medicine, and public policy, Ed enrolled at Maine Law at age 44, earning his Juris Doctor in 1987. His decision reflected a profound commitment to understanding and strengthening the systems that shape public health and justice. He went on to serve as Legislative Assistant for Health Care Policy to Congressman John E. Baldacci and was Chair of the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine for 18 years.
In addition to his medical and legal work, Ed was deeply committed to search and rescue efforts. Beginning in 1991, he trained and handled human remains detection dogs, assisting the Office of Chief Medical Examiner and the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team. He co authored The Cadaver Dog Handbook and was a passionate mentor and educator in forensic science.
Ed David exemplified what it means to be a Maine Law graduate. He brought intellectual curiosity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to every role he held. His life reminds us that the law is at its best when it serves people and strengthens communities. We are profoundly grateful that his legacy will continue to shape Maine Law and the students who will follow in his footsteps.
With gratitude,
Leigh Saufley
Maine Law President & Dean
