Atty. David H. "Dave" Thomas

Atty. David H. "Dave" Thomas

Dave Thomas is a partner in Taft’s Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense practice. He advises and represents companies, executives, public officials, health care providers, and other professionals who are the subject of state and federal investigations and prosecutions involving the United States Department of Justice and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, as well as county prosecutors throughout the state.

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Profile Summary

About David H. "Dave" Thomas at a glance

David H. "Dave" Thomas is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Columbus, Ohio, practicing at Taft. Admitted to practice in Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association and Minnesota, Minnesota State Bar Association. Educated at The Ohio State University (J.D., 1999) and Wittenberg University (BA, 1996). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), and Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH) (2021). Serands clients in Columbus, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Dave Thomas is a partner in Taft’s Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense practice
  • He advises and represents companies, executives, public officials, health care providers, and other professionals who are the subject of state and federal investigations and prosecutions involving the United States Department of Justice and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, as well as county prosecutors throughout the state
  • He has defended clients in complex matters involving federal agencies like the U.S
  • Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration and state agencies such as the Ohio Auditor’s Office, Ohio Ethics Commission, and Ohio Inspector General
  • Dave brings a broad range of experience to Taft’s criminal defense practice
  • He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and has tried more than sixty cases in state and federal courts, in matters ranging from aggravated murder to corporate fraud and federal conspiracy
  • Dave has also argued in state and federal appeals courts and the Supreme Court of Ohio
  • He has served as lead counsel defending white collar cases ranging from ethics and public corruption to health care fraud, banking violations, Government contract fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, and environmental crime
  • He is the Litigation Chair for Taft's Columbus office and previously served on Taft's Executive Committee

Practice Areas Explained

David H. "Dave" Thomas's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David H. "Dave" Thomas handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

David H. "Dave" Thomas is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Ohio →

White Collar Crimes

David H. "Dave" Thomas is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Ohio →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Ohio

Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Columbus are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Columbus or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David H. "Dave" Thomas

Where is David H. "Dave" Thomas's law office located?
David H. "Dave" Thomas's law practice is located in Columbus, Ohio. The firm is Taft. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David H. "Dave" Thomas handle?
David H. "Dave" Thomas focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
Where did David H. "Dave" Thomas go to law school?
David H. "Dave" Thomas earned their education at (J.D., 1999); (BA, 1996).
How can I contact David H. "Dave" Thomas for a consultation?
You can contact David H. "Dave" Thomas directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David H. "Dave" Thomas received?
David H. "Dave" Thomas's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH); Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Columbus (OH); Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH).

Education

J.D.
The Ohio State University
- 1999
BA
Wittenberg University
- 1996

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Columbus (OH)
- 2019
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH)
- 2015

Bar Admissions

Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
Minnesota, Minnesota State Bar Association

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