Benesch Adds Two Associates to Cleveland Office

As Benesch continues to expand its national commercial litigation practice, the firm has announced the hiring of two associates in its Cleveland office.

Benesch is pleased to welcome J. Phillip Nester and David Hopkins to its Litigation Practice Group.

“Clients increasingly look to us to handle complex business disputes with sophistication,” said Gregg Eisenberg, Managing Partner and Executive Committee Member. “Building on our capacity to deliver quality work in this area is a top priority for the firm. Phil and David are outstanding additions to our growing bench of talent.”

As a member of the Transportation & Logistics Group, Phil represents manufacturers, distributors, retailers, carriers, brokers, and forwarders in connection with general business consultation, regulatory compliance counseling, drafting and negotiation of contracts, litigation, dispute resolution, and enforcement defense including during investigations and audits.

Prior to joining Benesch, Phil represented commercial motor carriers and their drivers in complex pre-suit claims and lawsuits involving wrongful death, personal injury, cargo, and property damage, handling all facets of risk management from accident scene investigation through litigation, mediation, and trial, and counseling insurers on coverage issues, pre-litigation issues, and he has served as lead counsel defending insurance carriers against claims alleging bad faith, unfair claims practices, and breach of contract.

Dave represents clients in the construction, health care, and insurance industries in breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, indemnification, and subrogation actions, among others. He has also represented clients in the banking, technology, and food production industries in various civil cases, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and securities actions, as well as clients in the food service and manufacturing industries in employment litigation and employment counseling matters. He has assisted in all parts of litigation practice, including serving as second-chair counsel in a jury trial, briefing and arguing an appeal before the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, taking depositions, conducting written discovery, and arguing pretrial motions.

Phil and Dave are two of over 20 new attorneys to join Benesch so far in 2021. Since making its debut on the AmLaw 200 list in 2016, Benesch has advanced 32 places and is currently ranked at number 164.