Faculty Profile: Dr. David Tushaus

Dr. David Tushaus, professor of legal studies, earned a Fulbright Scholar award and served as a consultant for Banaras Hindu University’s legal aid clinic in Varanasi, India.

In 2017, he also worked as a Fulbright Specialist in The Gambia. While there, he helped create a Street Law program with The University of The Gambia Law School.

Learn more about Dr. Tushaus’ important work abroad at his website and blog.

More about his time in India:

“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of India,” David said in his blog after he returned. “We had an opportunity to meet some wonderful people, make friends, experience new cultures and enjoy sights, sounds and tastes that were exciting and delicious.”

David worked with law students at the university’s legal aid clinic, helping them expand their services. He wished he could’ve stayed longer to accomplish more.

He also gave lectures across India and in Bangladesh and conducted a workshop for professors from about 40 universities on how to expand their legal aid programs. “It was very rewarding. Being a visiting professor at BHU and lecturing around Asia was one of the greatest experiences of my professional life,” David said.

He and his wife were encouraged to hire a cook during their stay, and they were glad they took that advice. “We ate better there than we eat here. We never chose to eat out because the food was so good at home.”

When he returned, Dr. Tushaus continued a study he began with 10 students and an Indian professor, where they are surveyed law schools in India regarding their legal aid clinics. He also worked with a group in Bangladesh who’s goal was to establish legal aid clinics in its law schools.

“The entire experience was extremely interesting. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in something very different to go. It’s a challenge but well worth it.”