Breaking the Ice: Passion for affordable housing inspires specialty.

Byline: Todd Nelson

Name: David DavenportTitle: Shareholder, Winthrop & Weinstine

Education: B.S., psychology, B.A., political science, College of Charleston; J.D., University of Tulsa College of Law.

David Davenport, shareholder at Winthrop & Weinstine, in recent years has specialized in representing developers in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) disputes.

Carving out this niche among is the trial lawyer's favorite aspects of being an attorney, and Davenport credits the firm's support of such pursuits.

"It's fun because the firm allows you to develop a level of expertise in a niche practice area when you're passionate about the practice area, like affordable housing and helping communities give people a stable living environment," Davenport said.

In addition to representing for-profit and nonprofit developers, Davenport frequently speaks on LIHTC issues at panels and conferences.

In work for clients in other industries, Davenport represented St. Paul-based Candyland in trademark infringement matters relating to its Chicago Mix, which combines traditional, caramel and cheese-flavored popcorns. Lawsuits against three competitors resulted in permanent injunctions barring further use of Candyland's trademarks.

"I know I did the community good there because everybody loves Candyland," Davenport said.

Q. What's the best way to start a conversation with you?

A. Ask me about my family. We have four kids. Ask me about what I do for a living.

Q. What prompted you to study law and pursue it professionally?

A. In seventh or eighth grade my teacher then, Lenora Sadler, made an otherwise dry subject, government, interesting. From there into high school, history classes and government, I started really liking it. Somewhere in there I said, "I'm going to be a lawyer."

Q. What is a pet peeve of yours?

A. When people take themselves and/or this profession too seriously. Or they think they're somehow special because they're lawyers.

Q. What's a least favorite aspect of being a lawyer?

A. We make a living by turning an hour into a wage. Lawyers have hourly rates and as a result we have to record our time, and that's tedious.

Q. What's a favorite activity outside your job?

A. It centers around our kids, traveling with them. We take an annual skiing trip out west. Camping in the summer. Hunting in the fall. It centers around opening up their experiences to give them a broader view of the community and the world around them.

Q. If someone visits you in your...