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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Jim is senior counsel in the firm’s Business Litigation practice area. He focuses on disputes involving the Uniform Commercial Code, employer intentional tort, employment disputes, product liability, intellectual property and general commercial litigation.

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Jim rejoined the firm in 2021 after serving as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives. Prior to his service as Speaker Pro Tempore, he served as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Civil Justice Committee. During his nearly 10 years serving as an Ohio state representative, Jim also served as vice chairman of the Rules Committee and as a member of the House Criminal Justice Committee, Health Committee, Education Committee and Finance Committee.

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An Ohio native, Jim grew up in Washington Court House. Upon graduation from high school, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in the top 10% of his class, earning him a spot in flight school. While waiting to begin training as a naval aviator, he obtained a master’s degree in history from the University of Maryland. After completing flight school and receiving his wings, Jim was accorded the privilege of flying the F-14 Tomcat fighter.

Jim returned to Ohio after leaving the military. Following his graduation from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, he began his work at Thompson Hine.

Jim’s desire to serve is also reflected in his volunteer work within the Dayton community. He is a member of Oakwood Rotary and a volunteer for the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyer Project, a complementary agency to Legal Aid of Western Ohio. He is the former president of the Dayton Ballet Associate Board, which works to support the Dayton Ballet.

Jim and his wife, Dr. Melissa Butler, reside in Oakwood with their three daughters.

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University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D., 2005

University of Maryland, M.A., 1996

United States Naval Academy, B.S., 1995

Business Litigation

Senior Counsel

Jim Butler

<ul>
<li>Selected for inclusion in <em>The Best Lawyers in America</em><sup>®</sup> 2019 to 2025 for Commercial Litigation</li>
<li>Lawyer-Legislator Distinguished Service Award, Ohio State Bar Association, 2019</li>
<li>Legislative Champion Award, Ohio Jewish Communities, 2019</li>
<li><em>Dayton Business Journal</em> Veterans of Influence award honoree, 2017</li>
<li><em>Dayton Business Journal</em> 40 Under 40, 2011</li>
<li>District Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under, Ohio State Bar Foundation, 2010</li>
<li>Selected to the Ohio Rising Stars list, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014</li>
</ul>


Distinctions

<h3>Professional Associations</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dayton Bar Association, Young Lawyer Division, chairman, Community Service Committee, 2006-2007</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Activities</h3>
<ul>
<li>Representative, Ohio House of Representatives, District 41, 2011-2020</li>
</ul>
<h3>Community Activities</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, member, Board of Trustees</li>
<li>Dayton Ballet Associate Board, president, 2008-2011</li>
<li>Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, board member, Strategic Planning Committee, 2007-2012</li>
<li>Rotary, City of Oakwood</li>
<li>Volunteer Lawyers Project</li>
</ul>


JimButler

JimButler

Focus Areas

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