David J. Hickton

David J. Hickton is the founding director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security and a Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2016, renowned for addressing cybercrime, the opioid crisis, and community-police relations. He holds a JD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a BA from Pennsylvania State University.

Education:

• JD, University of Pittsburgh School of Law (1981)
• BA, Pennsylvania State University (1978)

Research Focus: His work integrates legal, policy, and security dimensions of cyber threats, opioid-related public health challenges, and criminal justice reform. He has pioneered initiatives like the National Heroin Task Force and prosecuted landmark cybercrime cases, including the first indictment of Chinese military personnel for economic espionage.

Awards:

• Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County

Advising & Grants: As U.S. Attorney, he secured major settlements, such as the $95.5 million False Claims Act recovery against EDMC and systemic reforms in Pennsylvania’s prison system. His civil rights initiatives included establishing a dedicated section in his office and participation in the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security, fostering interdisciplinary research and policy solutions to cyber threats. Previously, he co-chaired the National Heroin Task Force and formed the U.S. Attorney’s Working Group on Drug Overdoses.