In Memoriam: David P. Shouvlin
 

David P. “Dave” Shouvlin, a partner in the Columbus office of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP, died peacefully on September 22, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a remarkable life and career defined by excellence, service, friendship, faith, and generosity. During his more than 32 years with Porter Wright, Dave was a respected leader, trusted colleague, and devoted mentor whose influence enriched the firm and the legal communities of Columbus and Ohio.

Dave built a distinguished practice focused on commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on intellectual property and trade secret matters. His work frequently involved international clients, and he secured favorable decisions on significant intellectual property and contract issues in the United States Courts of Appeals for the First, Sixth and Federal Circuits. Early in his career, he authored a law review article later quoted by the United States Supreme Court in New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747 (1982)—an extraordinary distinction that reflected the insight and rigor he brought to the law throughout his career.

Dave’s commitment to the law was matched by his passion for service, teaching, and mentorship. He was a past president of the Columbus Federal Bar Association and an active member of the Columbus and Ohio bar communities. He taught as an adjunct clinical professor at his alma mater, Wake Forest University School of Law, and served as an advisor in Harvard Law School’s Trial Practice Program. He regularly taught evidence and civil procedure and shared his experience in patent litigation, commercial disputes and trial practice with students at The Ohio State University’s Michael E. Moritz College of Law. He also lectured at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and the University of Oxford. Within Porter Wright, Dave took special pride in developing the next generation of lawyers, serving as the lead partner overseeing the firm’s litigation training program for associates and offering guidance that countless young lawyers carried forward in their own careers.

Service to others was central to Dave’s life. For more than two decades, he served as Porter Wright’s pro bono coordinator, championing the firm’s commitment to providing legal assistance to those most in need, including veterans and members of the immigrant community. Among his many contributions, Dave played an important role in launching the “Ohio Justice Bus,” a mobile legal aid office that brings legal services to rural communities throughout Ohio. His leadership helped turn the profession’s highest ideals into meaningful assistance for people across the state.

Dave’s professional excellence and spirit of service were widely recognized. He was named to The Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers honored him as Columbus “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation—Patent in 2018 and 2020. His service extended well beyond the legal profession through leadership roles with organizations including CHOICES, the Ohio Military/Veterans Legal Assistance Project, Wake Forest University’s Board of Visitors and Action for Children. This past summer, following his cancer diagnosis, all of the sitting U.S. District Court Judges and Magistrate Judges in Columbus honored Dave for his many years of service to the federal court—a fitting tribute to a career devoted not only to excellence, but also to strengthening the institutions and communities he cared about so deeply.

Those fortunate enough to know and work with Dave will remember far more than his many accomplishments. They will remember his generous spirit and steadfast dedication to his colleagues, clients, and community. Dave was someone we could always count on—day or night, during the workweek or on weekends. He was a constant and reassuring presence at Porter Wright, always ready to offer his time, his wisdom, and his support. Although we grieve his passing, we celebrate the profound and lasting difference Dave made in so many lives. His legacy will endure at Porter Wright, throughout the bar, and in the many people he taught, mentored, and inspired. We will miss him deeply, and remain grateful for the privilege of having known him.