In the courtroom, David's litigation skills shine. He has successfully tried more than 100 cases, including securing full acquittals in federal court. This trial experience, combined with his ability to assist clients with grand jury subpoenas and multijurisdictional issues, makes him a formidable advocate for his clients. His deep understanding of the justice system allows David to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and build robust, results-driven defenses.

David’s experience extends to cross-border investigations, international corruption cases, and global compliance challenges, making him a trusted partner for businesses and individuals operating in an increasingly interconnected world. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, including prosecuting crimes against humanity during the Iraqi High Tribunal trials of Saddam Hussein and members of the former Iraqi regime.

With a meticulous approach and client-centered philosophy, David combines legal acumen with professionalism to tackle matters of any scale and complexity. Clients engaging David gain access to decades of insight, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes, no matter the jurisdiction or challenge.

At Barnes & Thornburg, David focuses on representing businesses and individuals in white collar criminal matters, compliance issues, and complex litigation. 

His notable cases include:

• Securities Fraud Acquittal (September 2024): David led the legal team that achieved an acquittal for a client who faced multiple securities fraud charges in connection with an alleged three-year conspiracy relating to over-the-counter securities transactions. The jury found the client not guilty on all charges after a three-week trial.
• Acquittal of Dr. David Kistler (February 2023): David successfully led the defense teams in a high-profile federal case brought by the DOJ’s Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force against Dr. David Kistler. Dr. Kistler, a physician charged with eight serious counts of prescribing medication without a legitimate medical purpose. Following a two-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Dr. Kistler was fully acquitted on all charges.
• Defense of Large Roofing Company (July 2023): David led the legal team that successfully defended a large roofing company in response to an extensive grand jury subpoena issued by the DOJ Antitrust Division. Following an internal investigation conducted by Barnes & Thornburg, which revealed years of bid-rigging with competitors, the team secured a marker from the DOJ. This effort ultimately resulted in a Leniency Letter, allowing the client to avoid prosecution entirely.

U.S. Department of Justice Career (2002-2021)

David built a distinguished 19-year career at the DOJ, holding roles as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio (2019-2021) and Assistant U.S. Attorney (2002-2019). He oversaw federal criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, managed over 60 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and pursued cases that garnered national and international attention.

Highlights of his tenure included:

• Ohio House Bill 6 Corruption Scandal: Led the largest bribery and public corruption case in Ohio’s history, dismantling a $61 million bribery scheme. 
• Short North Posse Rico Prosecutions: David prosecuted the largest federal murder case in Ohio’s history, charging 20 members of the Short North Posse with RICO and 14 separate murders. After a two-and-a-half-month trial, each defendant was convicted of all counts.
• Supervisor of Organized Crime Task Force: Directed multi-year investigations into organized crime and human trafficking networks. 
• Former Regime Crimes Liaison Office (RCLO): DOJ representative to the Iraqi High Tribunal to investigate crimes against humanity perpetrated by Saddam Hussein and others involved in the former Iraqi Regime.
• Former Resident Legal Advisor (RLA): DOJ advisor to the Republic of Georgia to combat money laundering, corruption and international organized crime.
• Former Intermediate Legal Advisor (ILA): DOJ advisor to Romania and Bulgaria to combat money laundering, corruption and international organized crime.

In November 2024, David traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of his ongoing collaboration with the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office on behalf of the DOJ. While in Kyiv, David presented a seminar to the Anti-Corruption Unit, sharing U.S. strategies and best practices in anti-corruption efforts. He also met with Ukraine's Prosecutor General, Oleksii Khomenko, and his deputies, offering insights from his experience prosecuting war crimes during the Saddam Hussein trials.

A thought leader in his field, David frequently speaks at national conferences and seminars, sharing insights on anti-corruption litigation, white collar crime, and compliance strategies. He has been featured and quoted in publications like The New York Times, Bloomberg Law, and Cleveland.com.