J. David "David" Washburn

When business owners, boards of directors and investment bankers are tasked with buying or selling a sophisticated business enterprise, they call David Washburn. And should a controversy arise following closing, clients seek David out to fully understand their options, mitigate losses and plan their next steps. Having been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2015 and as head of Katten's Corporate practice in Dallas, David is a true legal strategist who brings a passion for winning and a proven ability to get things done.

M&A transactions have become exponentially more complex in recent years. In addition, an increasing number of high value transactions are resulting in some form of post-closing controversy – whether as a result of a working capital true-up dispute; earn-out or other purchase price issue; indemnity claim; or alleged misconduct on the part of one of the parties. Armed with a rare "360-view" of these transactions, David utilizes his in-depth understanding of market trends, relevant case law and complex transaction structures, as well as his skills as a persuasive negotiator, to meet his clients' business objectives – whether that is getting the deal done on time, within budget and without controversy or securing a client's rights after the deal is already done, but controversy appears unavoidable.