Charles R. “Rocky” Saxbe taps Butler for leadership role

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP announces that Columbus Partner-in-Charge Charles R. "Rocky" Saxbe will pass his leadership duties to Taft Partner David J. Butler, effective June 1, 2014. Saxbe will remain active in his role on the firmwide executive committee and will continue his litigation, election law and public ethics law practice.

Both Butler and Saxbe were attorneys with Chester Willcox & Saxbe (CWS) before the firm merged with Taft in 2012. Saxbe was a long-time member of CWS’s executive committee and served as its managing partner at the time of the Taft merger. Butler, a litigator, joined Chester Willcox & Saxbe in 1997 and has spent his entire career at CWS/Taft, having served on CWS’s executive committee and as chair of the litigation practice. Butler has served as a litigation co-chair since the merger with Taft and will keep this role. He will be 42 years old as of June 1, making him one of the youngest leaders to assume Taft’s partner-in-charge role.

“Like with any other business, it makes sense to promote fresh, strong talent. As a former member of CWS’s executive committee and co-chair of Taft’s litigation group, Dave has the day-to-day experience with finances, personnel issues and growth strategies that will aid him in his role as partner-in charge. It is time to pass the baton,” reflected Saxbe.

Saxbe has a long affiliation with the political scene in Ohio, having served four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives beginning in 1975 and as the Republican nominee for Ohio Attorney General in 1982. Saxbe also served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry platoon commander with the First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam and was discharged with the rank of captain.

Managing Partner Thomas T. Terp regards the change in leadership as a natural succession. “Rocky has helped build the office into a highly respected and well-known force in the Columbus market. Dave will undoubtedly continue the high standards set forth by Rocky and his predecessors. Taft is grateful to Rocky for his service as partner-in-charge and looks forward to seeing Dave’s achievements in the years to come.”

As the new partner-in-charge, Butler will concentrate on maintaining the current success of the Columbus office, while looking to the future. He recognizes the important role that his mentors will play in his success and the success of the office. “I have had amazing mentors. I know that Rocky and many other attorneys are available to discuss strategy and provide guidance at any time.”

Butler serves as president of the Federal Bar Association’s Columbus Chapter and is a past president of the Columbus Metro/Central Ohio Division of the American Heart Association, where he remains a current board member. Butler received the Columbus Bar Association’s Community Service Award (Under Age 36) and Business First’s “Forty under 40” award for notable professional success and volunteer efforts in 2004.