CWS Governmental Relations, Ltd.





Litigation Practice Chair

David J. Butler, Partner
614.334.6167
dbutler@cwslaw.com

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Practice Concentration
As Chair of CWS’s Litigation Practice, Butler is a business trial lawyer experienced in a wide range of commercial legal matters including contract disputes, business torts (such as tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty), majority/minority close corporation shareholder disputes, trademark and trade dress law, civil rights laws, “sunshine” and open meetings laws, constitutional law, administrative law, employment law (with an emphasis on non-compete agreements), professional negligence/malpractice, real estate, insurance coverage disputes and bad-faith insurance claims.  His practice includes representing clients before state and federal trial and appellate courts as well as before state agencies.

Representative Experience 
Represented international lawn and garden company in successful enforcement actions involving Lanham Act violations and trademark/trade dress infringement
Represented Fortune 500 company in successful defense of a disappointed bidders’ fraud and open meetings act challenge to the state award of an 8 year, $45 million contract to provide electronic benefits transfer services to more than 450,000 Ohio food stamp recipients
Represented the Ohio Department of Insurance in the successful seizure and takeover of Ohio’s leading medical malpractice insurer
Represented state university in successful defense of discrimination and 42 USC §1983 claims by ex-student
Represented large hair salon and day spa in numerous matters successfully enforcing non-competition and non-solicitation agreements
Represented numerous minority shareholders of closely held corporations successfully in disputes involving a majority shareholder’s breach of fiduciary duty, “squeeze-outs,” self-dealing and unlawful oppression of minority shareholder rights
Appointed receiver by a state court and appointed special master by a federal district court in receivership and class action matters related to a multi-million dollar ponzi scheme; Successfully collected millions of dollars for over 600 fraud victims as court-appointed receiver
Represented Fortune 1000 national fast food restaurant in substantial recovery from its insurer in coverage dispute
Represented various insurance company executives in professional negligence actions brought by the Ohio Department of Insurance
Represented municipal nonprofit corporation that owns and operates electric facilities in successful admiralty matter related to recovering substantial damages it incurred as a result of a barge accident on the Ohio River
Represented regional short-line railroad company in successfully defending decision of Ohio Rail Development Commission awarding contract for operation of state-owned rail line
Served as outside counsel for the State of Ohio’s case against the tobacco industry, resulting in a $10 billion settlement for the State of Ohio

Other Professional Experience
Extern to the Honorable Justice Paul E. Pfeifer, Ohio Supreme Court
Extern to the Honorable Magistrate Judge Barry S. Seltzer, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida

Achievements and Awards

AV® Peer Review Rated* Martindale-Hubbell Rating Explanation

Listed as "Ohio Rising Star" by Law & Politics (2005-2009)
Recipient, Columbus Bar Association Community Service Award (Under Age 36) (2004)
Recipient, Business First's "Forty under 40" award for notable professional success and volunteer efforts (2004)

Education
The University of Notre Dame (B.A., cum laude, 1994; J.D., cum laude, 1997)

Bar Admissions
Ohio
U.S. District Court, Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Memberships and Community Service
Columbus Bar Association, Judicial Screening Committee; Barrister Leadership Program, Past Participant
Ohio Bar Association
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
American Inns of Court
American Heart Association, Columbus Metro/Central Ohio Division of the Great Rivers Affiliate; Past President (2006-2008); Board Member   (2000-Present); Recruitment Committee (2006-Present)

Speeches & Publications
All Majority Shareholders Should Be Aware of Their ResponsibilitiesColumbus Business First, October 27, 2006
"With Law On Their Side, Businesses Should Fight Insurance Claim Denials" Columbus Business First, December 22, 2009


*CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.