David Yates is a director of Application Development where he oversees enterprise applications driving our firm, including practice management, document management, and financial systems. In this Q&A, David shares how his experience as a Naval officer shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.
What branch of the military did you serve in? How long was your service, and where were you stationed?
My journey to the US Navy started with a boyhood dream of flying, nurtured by patriotic values I developed as a Boy Scout. This inspired me to join the Navy ROTC program in college and eventually led to four years of active-duty service at stations in Pensacola, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas. While eyesight requirements kept me from the cockpit, I found my purpose as a naval officer, supporting flight operations from land-based commands, contributing to joint operations across various international campaigns.
What’s a memorable experience from your time in the military that has stayed with you?
There are two significant experiences that stand out from my military service. The first was earning my SCUBA qualification at the US Navy Dive School. To pass, I had to withstand the intense Underwater Demolition Team instructors who pushed all of us to our limits. My second major memory was my time aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. Nothing compares to experiencing carrier flight operations firsthand. Getting launched off the deck in various aircraft gave me profound respect for naval aviation. Overall, these experiences taught me about operating under pressure and trusting my training completely.
How has your military background influenced the way you approach your work at Nixon Peabody?
The military taught me the crucial principle of “work hard, play hard,” a philosophy that shapes how I approach my job. When I’m at work, I always make sure to bring focused intensity and deliver solid results. That said, I also recognize that maintaining high levels of performance requires stepping back and taking time to recharge.
Are there any skills from your service that you find especially valuable in your current role?
The ability to make confident decisions with incomplete information proves invaluable daily. In the military, you rarely have perfect intelligence, but missions can't wait. This translates directly to business—assessing risk, working with available data, and committing to action despite uncertainty. Additionally, military service taught me the importance of attention to detail while maintaining a broader perspective. Small oversights can result in major problems—the details make all the difference.
How has your experience shaped your approach to leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving in your career?
Military service taught me that effective leadership requires recognizing each team member's unique motivations and adapting accordingly. In the Navy, I learned there's no universal approach—what drives one person might discourage another. Some thrive on competition, others on collaboration; some need detailed guidance, others autonomy. Success comes from customizing leadership style to fit the person, not forcing people into predetermined molds.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Veterans Day means recognizing Americans throughout history who prioritized collective freedom over personal ambition. For more than two centuries, Americans have voluntarily shouldered the responsibility of protecting our republic, ensuring its blessings pass on to each new generation. Veterans understand that democracy requires defenders—people willing to sacrifice for strangers they'll never meet. We honor their choice to serve something eternal rather than immediate, preserving the American dream for children yet unborn. That selfless decision defines true patriotism.
What message would you share with colleagues and others about honoring veterans and active-duty service members?
This Veterans Day, gather your family for a meaningful conversation about the freedoms and opportunities made possible by those who served. Help children understand that their ability to dream, learn, and pursue any path exists because veterans protected those rights. Our nation's strength comes from citizens who answered the call to serve. Take time to reflect on and discuss the values they defended—liberty, justice, opportunity—and how their sacrifice shapes our daily lives. Make honoring veterans a family tradition that connects service to the freedoms we enjoy.
