David Proaño represents clients in the utility and energy industries on regulatory compliance, commission investigations, retail energy contracts, commercial disputes, and business issues, and has years of experience with multiple facets of the retail energy industry. David routinely appears and practices before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on regulatory and litigated matters, and has served as lead defense counsel in several major PUCO investigations of certified retail energy suppliers. David also represents energy brokers and commercial and industrial energy consumers on regulatory and business issues, and serves as outside general counsel for a major energy broker. David combines candid advice, strong writing skills and powerful advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.
David is also an advocate for his clients before federal and state trial and appellate courts, bankruptcy courts, and arbitration panels. David has a proven track record representing clients on major matters involving a wide range of commercial disputes, including fraudulent financial transactions, electricity and energy contracts, steel supply contracts, tier 1 automotive supply contracts, property easements, insurance coverage, banking regulations, environmental liability, and professional misconduct. David has also defended large companies in class action lawsuits.
In addition to an active regulatory and litigation practice, David devotes considerable time and effort serving the Cleveland community and representing pro bono clients. He served as the president of the board of directors of Esperanza, a nonprofit organization that supports Hispanic educational achievement through scholarships and mentoring. David is also committed to the advancement of inclusion and diversity at BakerHostetler and in the legal profession, and to that end serves as the leader of BakerHostetler’s Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group and also serves on the firm’s Diversity Council and Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Crain's Cleveland Business recognized David as one of its "Forty Under 40" for his professional accomplishments and community service. David was born in Quito, Ecuador, served in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, and is conversant in Spanish.