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Bill Hawkins is an experienced trial lawyer in complex commercial, construction and employment litigation and provides general business advice for multinational corporations in corporate governance. He resolves complex matters with the long-term business goals of his clients in mind and is innovative in his development and application of solutions. Bill performs alternative dispute resolution for clients and third parties, working as an arbitrator and mediator to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom when appropriate. Clients hire Bill because his experience has given him an understanding of his clients’ industries and business objectives.

Bill is listed in Best Lawyers in America and is designated a Distinguished Neutral by the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR Institute).

Experience

• Represented multinational company in a significant contract dispute arising out of an alleged wrongful termination of an employee who was fired after theft of equipment and trade secrets. Bill’s thoughtful mediation between his client and the terminated employee allowed the dispute to be resolved favorably for his client without litigation.
• Lead trial counsel in series of toxic exposure actions on behalf of government contractor involved in the nuclear weapons defense program. Bill secured jury trial victories in state and federal court by demonstrating his thorough understanding of the complex science at issue in these cases and the manufacturing procedures utilized by the client.
• Trial attorney on complex commercial construction matter. After jury was seated and opening statements presented, Bill moved for a directed verdict. The directed verdict was granted, and, as a result, the client's counterclaim was resolved shortly thereafter on very favorable terms. 
• Advised client on corporate governance policies, practices and procedures pre- and post-initial public offering. Bill worked closely with client’s in-house legal, financial and human resources teams to prepare for IPO and continued to support compliance and finance executives and general counsel post-IPO.
• Advised company in multinational contract negotiations involving sophisticated technology and support. Bill had a detailed knowledge of client’s business and technology, which allowed him to work seamlessly with client and its in-house negotiating team.

Recognitions

• Best Lawyers in America (Cincinnati: Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Mediation) (2008 to present)
  • Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” (Cincinnati: Arbitration) (2012)
• Ohio “Super Lawyer” (2005 to 2007, 2011 to present)

Memberships

• Cincinnati Bar Association
  • Arbitration Services panel
• Southern Ohio District Export Council, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Board of Trustees

Community

• People for MR/DD Services
  • Board Member
• Mercy Health Partners
  • HR/Mission Committee: Board Member
• University of Cincinnati
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy: Faculty Member
• Chase College of Law
  • Trial Advocacy Institute: Board Member
• Northern University of Kentucky
  • MBA Program: Adjunct professor

Prior Positions

• Convergys Corporation
  • Senior Vice President
  • General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
• Frost & Jacobs (now known as Frost Brown Todd)
  • Partner and Chair of the Executive Committee