David A. Schaefer

Overview

David A. Schaefer is a Principal at McCarthy Lebit whose practice focuses primarily on alternative dispute resolution, including serving as a mediator and arbitrator in complex disputes. He also draws on extensive litigation and trial experience in complex business and tort matters, representing parties in disputes involving a diverse range of personal and business interests. His background in both litigation and dispute resolution enables him to understand the legal, practical, and business considerations that shape contested matters and the paths available for resolving them.

Over many years of practice, David represented plaintiffs and defendants in complex business and tort litigation, as well as product and professional liability, employment discrimination, and construction litigation matters. In recognition of his litigation and trial advocacy, David was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an honor limited to a highly select group of accomplished trial attorneys. He is also a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, an invitation-only organization comprising leading corporate and insurance defense attorneys and insurance executives worldwide, further underscoring his reputation for litigation excellence.

As alternative dispute resolution (ADR) became an increasingly utilized approach to resolving disputes outside of traditional court proceedings, David expanded his practice to include mediation and arbitration. He developed his ADR capabilities to offer clients additional avenues for resolving legal disputes and to draw upon his extensive experience evaluating contested matters. Today, David routinely serves as a neutral in disputes, acting as an arbitrator or mediator depending on the needs of the parties and the nature of the matter. As an arbitrator, he evaluates the facts and evidence presented by the parties and renders a decision, which is typically legally binding. As a mediator, he facilitates communication between the parties, helps them evaluate their respective positions, and guides them toward a mutually agreeable resolution.

David's ADR success as a neutral is easily attributed to his significant career as a courtroom litigator, where he forged relationships with co-counsel and opposing counsel for many years. Ohio litigators who know David and his track record of success in the courtroom also acknowledge the reputation he has earned for strong judgment and fairness as an arbitrator and mediator. The longevity of those relationships and the depth of trust David has earned from his peers is never more obvious than when they repeatedly seek out his expertise to help one of their clients resolve a dispute.

Throughout his career, David has received recognition from prominent legal publications, including The Best Lawyers in America® and Ohio Super Lawyers®, which use peer-reviewed selection processes to recognize attorneys for their professional accomplishments and work in their respective areas of practice. The Best Lawyers in America® has recognized David for his work in Arbitration, Mediation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Insurance, and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Ohio Super Lawyers® has recognized him for his work in Civil Litigation: Defense, Business Litigation, Personal Injury - General: Defense, Personal Injury - Products: Defense, and Professional Liability: Defense. These distinctions reflect David’s experience, professional accomplishments, and contributions within the legal community and his areas of practice.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David is committed to serving his community and helping individuals who may otherwise face barriers to legal resources. He has volunteered with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, providing pro bono legal services to individuals in need. His commitment to this work has earned him recognition as a Time Well Spent Honor Society Member, an honor recognizing attorney volunteers who reach significant cumulative hours of service on pro bono cases.

David earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University, his master’s degree from Northwestern University, and his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.