Robert W. Trafford

Introduction / Overview

In the challenging arena of high-stakes business and corporate litigation, companies and their leadership require legal counsel that possesses both deep expertise and a proven track record of success. Robert W. Trafford, widely known as "Buzz," is a highly esteemed attorney in Columbus, Ohio, who stands out for his exceptional proficiency in complex business litigation at both trial and appellate levels. His practice is particularly concentrated on critical areas such as securities fraud, director and officer (D&O) liability, and various corporate governance matters, including intricate internal investigations. With decades of experience and a long history of impactful results, Mr. Trafford serves as a formidable advocate for businesses navigating the most challenging legal landscapes in Ohio and beyond.

Beyond his formidable litigation skills, Mr. Trafford brings a unique perspective to his practice, having served as his firm's managing partner for many years. This leadership role instilled in him a profound understanding of the operational and strategic concerns that businesses face, allowing him to approach legal challenges with a holistic and commercially astute mindset. Whether your company is embroiled in a significant securities dispute, facing allegations of D&O liability, or conducting a sensitive internal investigation, Robert W. Trafford offers the strategic insight, meticulous preparation, and assertive representation necessary to protect your interests and achieve favorable outcomes. For any Ohio business seeking top-tier legal advocacy in complex corporate and commercial disputes, Mr. Trafford's experience and reputation make him an invaluable asset.

Location and Accessibility

Robert W. Trafford's office is conveniently located at 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This prime address places his practice in the very heart of downtown Columbus, offering exceptional accessibility for clients across the city and throughout the broader Ohio region. Situated on South High Street, the office is housed within a prominent and easily recognizable building, often associated with the Huntington Center, positioned in Columbus's central business district.

The downtown Columbus area benefits from an excellent transportation infrastructure, making it convenient for clients whether they choose to drive or utilize public transportation. Its proximity to major highways like I-70 and I-71 ensures straightforward access from various parts of Columbus and surrounding communities. For those arriving by car, numerous parking facilities, including dedicated garages and metered street parking, are typically available nearby, adding to the convenience for visitors. This strategic location underscores Mr. Trafford's commitment to providing accessible and efficient legal support to Ohio businesses, ensuring that top-tier legal counsel for complex business litigation is within easy reach when it's needed most.

Services Offered

Robert W. Trafford concentrates his practice in the area of complex business litigation, providing comprehensive legal services that address high-stakes disputes and corporate governance challenges for businesses and their leadership. His key service areas include:

• Complex Business Litigation: Mr. Trafford handles a wide array of intricate commercial disputes at both trial and appellate levels. This general category encompasses various business disagreements, from contractual disputes to broader commercial conflicts, ensuring robust representation in and out of court.
• Securities Fraud Litigation: He possesses deep expertise in matters involving securities fraud, representing clients in disputes arising from alleged misrepresentations or manipulations related to securities transactions.
• Director and Officer (D&O) Liability: Mr. Trafford provides counsel and defense to corporate directors and officers facing claims of liability related to their official duties, including breaches of fiduciary duty or mismanagement.
• Corporate Governance Matters: He advises on and litigates issues related to corporate governance, ensuring companies adhere to best practices and legal requirements in their internal operations and decision-making. This often includes internal investigations.
• Internal Investigations: Mr. Trafford conducts and advises on sensitive internal investigations for corporations, addressing allegations of misconduct, fraud, or non-compliance, helping companies uncover facts and take appropriate action.
• Attorney and Accountant Liability: He handles cases involving professional liability for attorneys and accountants, representing clients in disputes where negligence or malpractice by these professionals is alleged.
• Trade Secret Litigation: Mr. Trafford provides robust representation in matters involving trade secrets, helping businesses protect their proprietary information from misappropriation or misuse.
• Class Actions, Mass Torts, and MDLs: His experience extends to defending clients in large-scale litigation, including class action lawsuits, mass tort claims, and multi-district litigation (MDL), which often involve numerous plaintiffs and complex legal issues.
• Appellate and Supreme Court Practice: With extensive experience at both trial and appellate levels, he is skilled in handling appeals, including those that may reach the Supreme Court, ensuring continued advocacy for his clients after initial trial verdicts.
• Arbitration and Mediation: Beyond traditional litigation, Mr. Trafford is experienced in alternative dispute resolution methods, including arbitration and mediation, to achieve efficient and effective resolutions for his clients.
• Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) Litigation: He represents clients in litigation stemming from regulatory enforcement actions by bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Features / Highlights

Robert W. Trafford’s illustrious legal career is defined by numerous significant features and highlights that firmly establish his status as a preeminent attorney in Ohio and nationwide:

• American College of Trial Lawyers Fellow: Mr. Trafford is a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization that recognizes the top one percent of trial lawyers in North America. This fellowship is a testament to his exceptional skill and reputation as a trial attorney.
• Consistent "Best Lawyers in America" Recognition: He has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for over 20 years, serving as a member of its national board of advisors. This consistent recognition by his peers solidifies his standing among the nation's elite legal professionals.
• Multiple "Lawyer of the Year" Awards: Mr. Trafford has been repeatedly named "Lawyer of the Year" in Columbus, Ohio, by The Best Lawyers in America® in multiple high-profile categories, including Litigation - Banking & Finance (2013, 2017, 2025), Litigation - Mergers & Acquisitions (2014), and Bet-the-Company Litigation (2008 – the first Columbus lawyer to receive this distinction). These awards highlight his leadership and unparalleled expertise in these critical areas.
• Chambers USA Recognition: He is recognized by clients and peers in Chambers USA as one of the leading General Commercial Litigation attorneys in Ohio, further confirming his strong reputation and effectiveness in this field.
• Ohio Super Lawyers Top Listings: Mr. Trafford has been consistently recognized by Ohio Super Lawyers, including being named to the "Top 50 Columbus Super Lawyers" and "Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers" lists multiple times. This underscores his prominence within the state's legal community.
• Former Managing Partner: His tenure as the firm's managing partner from 1997 to 2015 provides him with a unique, firsthand understanding of business operations and strategic decision-making, allowing him to offer counsel that is both legally sound and commercially astute.
• Community Leadership: Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Trafford has demonstrated significant commitment to the community, serving as Chair of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, President of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus Board of Trustees, and as a Director for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, among other roles. This involvement speaks to his dedication beyond the courtroom.
• Thought Leadership and Presentations: Mr. Trafford has frequently presented on critical legal topics, including "Thinking on Your Feet: The Essential Skill of a Trial Lawyer" and "Ethics & Professionalism," sharing his extensive knowledge with the broader legal community.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly respected and distinguished attorney specializing in complex business litigation and corporate governance for high-stakes matters, Robert W. Trafford does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the manner of consumer retail services. His practice is built on providing unparalleled, tailored legal counsel for intricate and critical legal challenges faced by corporations and their leadership. The value he provides stems from his extensive legal expertise, strategic acumen, and a proven track record of success in handling some of the most challenging cases at both trial and appellate levels. Legal fees are structured to reflect the significant time, specialized knowledge, and intensive resources required for managing complex litigation, ensuring comprehensive and effective representation.

Prospective clients, primarily businesses and corporate leaders in Ohio facing significant commercial disputes or governance issues, are encouraged to contact his office directly for a confidential consultation. This allows for a thorough discussion of their specific legal challenges, an understanding of how Mr. Trafford’s unparalleled expertise aligns with their objectives, and a transparent overview of the fee structure relevant to their unique matter. His unwavering commitment is to delivering exceptional legal representation and achieving the best possible results, which is his ultimate "offer" to clients in Ohio.

Contact Information

For businesses, corporate boards, and individuals throughout Ohio seeking unparalleled expert legal counsel in complex business litigation, corporate governance, securities fraud, or D&O liability, Robert W. Trafford's office can be reached using the following contact details:

• Address: 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
• Phone: (614) 227-2149
• Mobile Phone: +1 614-227-2149

It is highly recommended to call during standard business hours to schedule a confidential consultation or to inquire about his services. His dedicated team will be able to assist with setting up an appointment and providing preliminary information to ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately and efficiently.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For businesses and corporate leaders across Ohio facing complex and high-stakes legal challenges, Robert W. Trafford offers an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous legal resource. His suitability for local clients is profoundly rooted in his extensive experience, his specialized focus on the most intricate areas of business law, and his consistent recognition as a top-tier attorney within the state and nationally.

Firstly, Mr. Trafford’s deep expertise in areas such as securities fraud, D&O liability, and corporate governance means that Ohio companies have access to a lawyer who is uniquely equipped to handle their most sensitive and critical legal issues. His ability to navigate these complex regulatory and litigation environments provides essential protection and strategic guidance for businesses operating within Ohio’s evolving economic and legal landscape.

Secondly, his status as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and his repeated recognition as "Lawyer of the Year" in Columbus across various litigation categories provide an unparalleled level of assurance to Ohio clients. These accolades signify that he is not only highly skilled in the courtroom but also held in the highest regard by his peers and the judiciary, offering a distinct advantage in resolving complex disputes effectively.

Thirdly, his experience as a former managing partner of a prominent law firm gives him a unique, business-oriented perspective. This allows him to understand the commercial implications of legal strategies, ensuring that the advice provided to Ohio businesses is not just legally sound but also practically aligned with their operational goals and long-term viability.

Finally, his central location in Columbus, Ohio's capital and a major business hub, provides convenient and efficient access for clients from anywhere in the state. This strategic positioning facilitates direct communication, streamlined legal processes, and ease of access to the courts and corporate centers. In essence, Robert W. Trafford is more than just a lawyer; he is a strategic, highly decorated, and locally invested partner for Ohio businesses, offering the unparalleled expertise and robust advocacy necessary to navigate today's most challenging corporate and commercial legal landscapes.