William G. Porter, II
Columbus Office
Mr. Porter is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and is chair of the firm's litigation group. His trial practice focuses on general civil litigation with particular expertise in corporate and business disputes, construction law, professional liability law, and premises and product liability matters. He has represented financial institutions, publicly held and closely held corporations, land grant universities, architectural and engineering design firms, and a variety of businesses and individuals in complex litigation, including class actions.
Career highlights include:
- Serving as lead counsel in a Truth-in-Lending Act class action resulting in a favorable ruling affirmed by the United States Supreme Court
- Serving as lead counsel in an eminent domain case resulting in a favorable jury verdict in excess of one million dollars
- Serving as lead counsel in a construction arbitration resulting in a multi-million dollar award to the contractor
- Serving as national trial counsel to a manufacturer of modular buildings which have sustained damage as a result of fire.
Mr. Porter is a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association.
Mr. Porter is a frequent lecturer on trial advocacy issues, including presentations to the Ohio State Bar Association on “How to Handle the Obstreperous Lawyer in Depositions” and “Real Evidence for Trial Attorneys.”
Mr. Porter received his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law where he was a member of the National Mock Trial Team and received the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Commendation for Distinguished Achievement in Advocacy. He received his B.A. cum laude from Amherst College.
Publications
- “Corporate Communications: Problems, Pitfalls and Practical Points,” 2005 (Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP publication)
Professional and Community Activities
- Central Ohio Transit Authority, Chair, Board of Trustees, 2002-2007
Honors and Awards
- Ohio Super Lawyers, General Litigation, 2008
- The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2006-2008