Verified profile

David DeVillers

Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and former U.S. Attorney

David DeVillers's profile photo
LocationColumbusOhio, United States
Current rolePartnerBarnes & Thornburg LLP · since Mar 2021
Government service23yrsU.S. Attorney’s Office

About

Clients benefit from David's unique perspective, honed through nearly three decades as a U.S. Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and state prosecutor. This background allows him to anticipate prosecution strategies and craft robust defenses. His approach has resulted in complete acquittals, deferred prosecution agreements, and preventing indictments for clients facing Department of Justice (DOJ) scrutiny.

In the courtroom, David's litigation skills shine. He has successfully tried more than 100 cases, including securing a full acquittal in federal court. This trial experience, combined with his ability to help clients with grand jury subpoenas and multijurisdictional issues, makes him a formidable advocate for his client’s interests.

David's global perspective, shaped by his work overseas combating crime and corruption, adds depth to his practice. His experience advising on international legal matters, including his role in the Iraqi High Tribunal, equips him to handle complex cases with far-reaching implications.

Roles

Mar 2021–Present
Current role

Partner

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Columbus, Ohio

Civil LitigationAttorney AdvisorLegal ServicesEducation, Curriculum and TeachingWhite Collar CrimeComplianceAntitrustProsecutor

David DeVillers leverages his extensive prosecutorial experience to defend individuals and businesses in high-stakes white collar criminal matters, compliance issues, and complex litigation. His knowledge of federal and state criminal processes provides clients with a strategic edge in navigating difficult legal challenges.

Mar 2021–Present
Current role

U.S. State Attorney

U.S. Attorney’s Office

(appointed)Ohio Northern

White Collar CrimeCriminal LawProsecutor
Jun 2002–Oct 2019
Former role

Assistant

U.S. Attorney’s Office

(appointed)Ohio Northern

White Collar CrimeLitigation Support SpecialistProsecutor

Recognition

Honors

2025 Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists

Ohio Super Lawyers

Ohio | December 2024

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Also recognized in 2023 in the Ohio 2024 Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists

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2025 "The Best Lawyers in America" List

The Best Lawyers In America®

August 2024

The 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America evaluates more than 76,000 attorneys in 149 practice areas, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and inclusion in this year’s publication is based on more than 10 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. Recognized also in 2023 in the 2024 "The Best Lawyers in America" List

Link

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

State University of New York

Oswego, New York | January 2019

Mark Losey Distinguished Service Award

Ohio Attorney General

Ohio | January 2018

J. Michael Bradford Memorial Award, Nation’s Most Outstanding Assistant U.S. Attorney

The National Association of Former United States Attorneys

January 2008

Publications & speeches

501(c)(4)s: The Good, the Bad and the Flat Out Illegal

The Metropreneur

June 2021

David DeVillers authored a June 17 article, “501(c)(4)s: The Good, the Bad and the Flat Out Illegal.” It was published in The Metropreneur, an electronic publication targeted to entrepreneurial businesses. Each month, a lawyer in the Columbus office writes a feature for the publication.

Link

Current Issues Seminar

Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission — Kentucky State House

January 2025

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Dark Money and Its Role in Federal Bribery Cases

Lawline — Via Zoom

October 2024

Link

Criminal and Civil Enforcement of Election and Ethics Laws

Practicing Law Institute — Convene Hamilton Square in Washington, D.C.

September 2024

Link

Navigating Institutional Investigations

The Ohio Attorney General’s 30th Annual Conference for Public College and University Attorneys — The Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio.

April 2024

Co-Presented with David Paragas Partner at Barnes and Thornburg LLP

Link

Dark Money Corruption and Everything In Between: Breaking Down the HB6 Scandal (Professional Conduct)

39th Annual Ohio Environment, Energy and Resources Law Institute — Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio

Link