David F. Axelrod

For individuals and businesses throughout Ohio, navigating highly complex legal challenges, especially those involving government investigations, financial crimes, or intricate business disputes, demands an attorney with a truly exceptional background. When the stakes are high, and reputations or livelihoods are on the line, having counsel who possesses a deep understanding of both prosecution and defense strategies is invaluable. In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, David F. Axelrod stands as a distinguished legal professional with an impressive career spanning over 35 years, marked by significant roles as a special prosecutor and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. This article is crafted to provide you, as a local Ohio user, with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of his practice, helping you understand how his extensive expertise in white collar defense, business litigation, and regulatory enforcement can be a formidable asset for your legal needs right here in our state. Mr. Axelrod’s profound insights into complex legal challenges make him a premier choice for sophisticated legal solutions.

David F. Axelrod's office is conveniently located at 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This address places his practice within the Huntington Center, a prominent and easily accessible building in the bustling downtown core of Columbus. Such a central location offers exceptional accessibility for individuals and businesses throughout the greater Columbus metropolitan area and beyond. Being in the heart of the capital city means the office is easily accessible via various transportation methods, including public transit, and there are readily available parking facilities nearby. Its proximity to state and federal courthouses, government offices, and other essential business establishments further enhances its convenience for clients who may need to coordinate legal matters with other professional engagements. This strategic placement in a major business and legal hub underscores the professional and accessible nature of Mr. Axelrod's practice, making it straightforward for clients to engage with seasoned legal counsel who can handle high-stakes cases.

David F. Axelrod's legal practice concentrates on responding to clients' most difficult legal challenges, particularly within the realms of white collar defense, business litigation, and regulatory matters. His extensive background provides him with a unique perspective on these complex and often high-stakes areas. Based on available public information, his primary services include:

• Civil and Criminal Tax Controversies: Representing individuals and businesses in disputes with tax authorities, encompassing both civil audits and criminal investigations related to tax matters.

• Financial and White Collar Crimes: Providing robust defense for clients facing allegations of financial fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other white-collar criminal offenses. His experience as a former prosecutor in this area offers a strategic advantage.

• Public Corruption: Defending clients involved in public corruption investigations and prosecutions, which can be highly complex and politically sensitive.

• Regulatory Enforcement Matters: Representing individuals and entities in investigations and enforcement actions brought by various regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and defending against alleged violations.

• Business Litigation: Handling a wide array of commercial disputes, including contract disputes, partnership disagreements, and other business-related conflicts that require resolution through the courts.

• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and Corporate Compliance: Advising clients throughout the country on compliance with the FCPA, developing corporate compliance programs, and conducting internal investigations related to potential violations.

• False Claims Act and Healthcare Fraud: Representing clients in matters involving the False Claims Act and allegations of healthcare fraud, often in the context of government investigations.

• Appellate Litigation: Handling appeals of legal decisions, including successfully arguing precedent-setting cases at higher court levels.

This specialized suite of services highlights Mr. Axelrod's profound expertise in navigating the intricate legal and regulatory landscape that impacts businesses and individuals facing serious governmental scrutiny or complex financial disputes.

David F. Axelrod's practice is distinguished by an impressive array of features and highlights that underscore his exceptional capabilities and standing within the legal community:

• Extensive Prosecutorial and Defense Experience: With over 35 years of experience, Mr. Axelrod brings a unique perspective, having served as a special prosecutor for the State of Ohio and an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, as well as a Trial Attorney for the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. This dual background provides invaluable insight into both sides of complex legal challenges.

• Lead Prosecutor in Historical Cases: As a special prosecutor for Ohio, he led the largest "blue sky" securities fraud case in the state's history, culminating in a nearly six-month jury trial with hundreds of guilty verdicts. This demonstrates his capacity to handle large-scale, high-stakes litigation.

• Leadership in International Investigations: He formerly served as a director in Deloitte Forensic and Dispute Services, where he co-led and led multi-disciplinary investigative teams in Europe for what was then considered the largest Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation in history. This highlights his global reach and expertise in complex international compliance matters.

• Consistent Recognition as a "Super Lawyer" and "Best Lawyer": David Axelrod has been consistently selected to Ohio Super Lawyers® from 2004-2006 and 2010-2025, and recognized in "Best Lawyers in America" from 2015-2025. He was also named a Top 100 Ohio and Top 50 Columbus Super Lawyer in 2015 and 2017. These are highly selective, peer-reviewed accolades that affirm his standing among the top legal professionals in the country.

• High Peer Review Ratings: He holds an AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

• Academic and Judicial Background: Upon graduating from American University Washington College of Law (where he was a senior editor of the Law Review), he clerked for U.S. District Judge David Porter. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. This academic and judicial experience provides a deep theoretical and practical understanding of the law.

• Experience with High-Profile Cases: His work includes successfully prosecuting grievances against judicial candidates and leading internal investigations for public companies resulting in no enforcement action due to voluntary disclosures, showcasing his ability to handle sensitive and critical legal situations with discretion and positive outcomes.

These features collectively position David F. Axelrod as an exceptionally accomplished, highly respected, and uniquely experienced attorney, making him a formidable advocate for clients facing complex white collar, tax, and business litigation challenges in Ohio and beyond.

While David F. Axelrod's public profiles do not explicitly advertise specific promotions or special offers, his firm, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, maintains a professional practice focused on high-level legal services. In cases involving complex white collar defense, business litigation, or regulatory matters, the emphasis is typically on the depth of expertise, strategic counsel, and tailored solutions provided, rather than broad promotional discounts. For individuals or businesses in Ohio considering his services, the most effective way to learn about consultation policies, fee structures, or any potential initial discussions about your legal matter is to contact his office directly. A direct conversation will allow you to thoroughly discuss your case, understand his approach to fees, and determine how his unparalleled experience can be leveraged for your specific legal needs.

To connect with David F. Axelrod's office for highly specialized legal assistance, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

• Phone: (614) 628-4427

When reaching out, it is advisable to have a brief overview of your legal inquiry prepared, as this will help facilitate an efficient initial discussion and allow his team to understand your complex legal needs more effectively.

For anyone in the Ohio region, particularly those facing intricate legal challenges related to white collar crime, tax controversies, regulatory enforcement, or complex business disputes, David F. Axelrod's practice in Columbus offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended solution. His decades of experience, including significant roles as a federal and state prosecutor, provide a truly unique and invaluable perspective that few attorneys possess. This dual understanding allows him to anticipate opposing strategies and build robust defenses. His consistent recognition among "Best Lawyers" and "Super Lawyers," coupled with his involvement in historical and international investigations, underscores his elite status in the legal field. The convenient downtown Columbus location ensures accessibility for Ohioans. In essence, for individuals and businesses requiring sophisticated and strategic legal counsel to navigate their most difficult legal challenges right here in Ohio, David F. Axelrod provides the unparalleled expertise and proven track record necessary to achieve favorable outcomes.