Robert W. Trafford – Columbus, OH

A Titan of Complex Business Litigation

Robert W. ”Buzz” Trafford is a senior partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP and a towering figure in the Columbus legal community. With a career spanning over four decades, Buzz Trafford has earned a reputation as the ”go-to” litigator for bet-the-company cases. He concentrates his practice on complex business disputes, securities fraud, and professional liability defense. When major corporations, financial institutions, or fellow law firms face existential legal threats, they turn to Buzz Trafford for his strategic brilliance and commanding courtroom presence. A Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, he is recognized not just for his ability to win, but for his unwavering dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession. His track record includes successfully defending Big Four accounting firms, representing national banks in lender liability trials, and managing high-stakes internal investigations.

Protecting Reputations and Bottom Lines

Robert W. Trafford’s practice is built on defending clients against their most significant challenges. He has extensive experience in Securities Litigation, representing public companies and their directors against shareholder class actions and derivative suits. His expertise in Professional Malpractice Defense is unmatched; he frequently defends other attorneys and accountants against claims of negligence, understanding the unique reputational risks involved. Additionally, he handles complex Commercial Litigation, from trade secret theft to multi-million dollar contract disputes. If you need to hire a lawyer who has successfully navigated the most turbulent legal waters in Ohio, Buzz Trafford is the advocate you need.

• Complex Commercial Litigation: Handling high-stakes business disputes, fraud claims, and breach of contract cases.
• Securities Litigation: Defending corporations and officers in shareholder lawsuits and SEC investigations.
• Professional Liability: Representing law firms and accounting firms in malpractice defense.
• Banking & Finance Litigation: defending financial institutions against lender liability and regulatory claims.
• Internal Investigations: Conducting discreet and thorough inquiries into corporate misconduct.

Distinguished and Community-Minded

Buzz Trafford’s excellence has been consistently recognized by his peers. He has been named ”Lawyer of the Year” in Columbus multiple times by Best Lawyers in America for Banking & Finance Litigation and Bet-the-Company Litigation. Beyond the courtroom, he is a dedicated servant of the Columbus community, having chaired the boards of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. Located in the Huntington Center across from the Statehouse, he continues to lead with integrity and skill. For a Columbus business litigation attorney who operates at the highest level, Robert W. Trafford is the gold standard.