Barnes & Thornburg Adds Recent Ohio U.S. Attorney as Partner in Columbus

COLUMBUS – Barnes & Thornburg today announced that David DeVillers, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, has joined the firm’s Litigation Department as partner in the Columbus office. 

DeVillers, whose practice will concentrate on white collar crime and investigations, has a stellar track record. As U.S. Attorney, he oversaw the investigation into and prosecutions related to one of the largest corruption conspiracies in Ohio’s history and prosecuted the largest federal murder case in Ohio, charging 20 members of the Short North Posse, a known gang in Columbus. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, he spent nearly 20 years as Assistant U.S. Attorney, during which time he served as lead prosecutor in 24 jury trials and headed up task forces involving the FBI, ATF, DEA, IRS and the Division of Police.

DeVillers is the sixth former U.S. Attorney to join the firm since 2015, and follows Josh Minkler, the former U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, who joined in November 2020. Fifteen former Assistant U.S. Attorneys also practice with Barnes & Thornburg in litigation, white collar criminal defense, and other areas.

“David has had a storied career as a prosecutor in a range of different capacities – all of which will add dimension to our team,” said Randy Brown, chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “His impressive experience as a prosecutor and investigator will bolster the capabilities in our white collar, compliance, monitorships, and investigations practice.” 

He stepped down from the Justice Department in late February. DeVillers has decades of experience providing counsel and defense at every stage of the criminal defense process. During his time at the Department of Justice, he prosecuted a number of cases involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute, money laundering, corruption, murder, international drug trafficking, and terrorism. 

In addition to his work with the Justice Department on U.S. soil, DeVillers served as a legal adviser in Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Georgia, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine – including acting as prosecutor adviser to the Iraqi High Tribunal for the Anfal (Kurdish Genocide) trial of Saddam Hussein. While in this role, DeVillers investigated additional crimes against humanity perpetrated by the former Iraqi regime.

“David is a true public servant, and is respected throughout our community and our legal community, and beyond,” said William Nolan, managing partner of the Columbus office. “We are excited to add such an accomplished attorney to our litigation team in Ohio, and look forward to all of the qualities he will bring to our office and our ability to represent our clients.” 

DeVillers earned his J.D. from Capital University and his B.A. from The State University of New York at Oswego. 

With more than 700 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, New York, Ohio, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.