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Dana M. Malkus, J.D.

Professor; Director, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic
Legal Clinics

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Office of the Dean


Oftentimes we think of public service as working at public interest law firm, or sitting on the board of a nonprofit, or volunteering. But maybe the most radical form of public service is to fully engage in where you are."

- Dana M. Malkus, J.D.

Courses Taught

Entrepreneurship and Community Development Practice, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic, Transactional Drafting

Education

B.A., Indiana University Bloomington, 2000
J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law, 2004

Professor Malkus completed her undergraduate work at Indiana University, where she received a B.A. in history and, through her participation in an innovative teacher education program, became certified to teach history, political science and economics. After completing her undergraduate education, Prof. Malkus spent a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer, working in a prosecutor's office helping women obtain orders of protection. This and other volunteer experiences opened her eyes to a myriad of issues to which she previously had not been exposed and cemented a strong desire to pursue a legal education. She obtained her J.D. from SLU LAW in 2004 and holds the distinguished honor of being an 1843 Scholar.

Practice Areas

  • Contracts
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Real Estate Law

Publications and Media Placements

SSRN Publications List

Community Work and Service

Prof. Malkus began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable E. Richard Webber of the United States Court for the Eastern District of Missouri where she performed research and writing tasks, managed daily motion filings and supervised the work of student interns.

She later moved into the private sector as an associate attorney with Lewis, Rice & Fingersh where she focused her practice in the areas of commercial real estate and general business law. She was responsible for drafting and negotiating agreements, advising clients and closing various complex real estate and business transactions.

Prof. Malkus has directed the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic since 2009. Her work focuses on community development, neighborhood businesses, and community organizations.

She actively participates with the St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative