William G. Porter
Mr. Porter is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and chair of the litigation group. His trial practice focuses on general civil litigation with particular expertise in commercial and business disputes, product liability matters and construction law. He has represented manufacturers, franchisors, 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 national trial counsel with respect to manufacturers' liability claims
- Representing businesses and individuals in various actions, including class actions, in federal and state courts
- Serving as lead counsel in a construction arbitration resulting in a favorable multi-million dollar award
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 attorney-client privilege issues, internal investigations and 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.
Professional and Community Activities
- Central Ohio Transit Authority, Chair, Board of Trustees, 2002-2009
- Bexley Education Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2007-present
Honors & Awards
- Columbus CEO, Top Lawyers in Columbus, 2010-2012
- Ohio Super Lawyers, Top 50 Super Lawyers in Columbus, 2010
- Ohio Super Lawyers, General Litigation, 2008-2012
- The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2006-2011
News
- Porter Admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers
- 75 Vorys Attorneys Recognized as 2012 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- More than 100 Vorys Attorneys named on 2012 The Best Lawyers in America® List
- Porter Named to Columbus Chamber Board of Directors
- 72 Vorys Attorneys Recognized as 2011 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Vorys Ranked #1 Law Firm in Ohio on 2011 Best Lawyers in America® list
- Porter Honored by Central Ohio Transit Authority
- 54 Vorys Attorneys Recognized as 2010 Ohio Super Lawyers
- Vorys ranked #1 law firm in Ohio on 2010 Best Lawyers in America® list
- 70 Vorys Attorneys Recognized as 2009 Ohio Super Lawyers
- Vorys Attorneys Named on 2009 Best Lawyers in America List
- Vorys named the "2008 Leading Ohio Law Firm" by Best Lawyers
Events
- Privilege. Privacy. Preservation. Managing Risks with Electronic Communications
- Trial Evidence for the Ohio Practitioner
- Trial Evidence Seminar
- Taking and Defending Effective Depositions
- Trial Evidence for the Ohio Practitioner
Publications
“Corporate Communications: Problems, Pitfalls and Practical Points,” 2010 (Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP publication)