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Jim, a member of the firm’s Business Litigation practice group in Dayton, provides strategic advice and representation to clients regarding supply chain issues, with a particular focus on Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, electronic contracting, “Battle of the Forms,” and contracts by performance. He also handles pre-litigation counseling and trial representation in disputes involving supply, installment, and requirement contracts, software agreements, equipment and tooling, and trade secrets. Jim has represented clients in commercial disputes and litigation across a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, general manufacturing, and construction supply. An experienced trial counsel, his practice also includes intellectual property and general commercial litigation.

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<p class="wp-block-contentpilot-introduction">Jim, a member of the firm’s Business Litigation practice group in Dayton, provides strategic advice and representation to clients regarding supply chain issues, with a particular focus on Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, electronic contracting, “Battle of the Forms,” and contracts by performance. He also handles pre-litigation counseling and trial representation in disputes involving supply, installment, and requirement contracts, software agreements, equipment and tooling, and trade secrets. Jim has represented clients in commercial disputes and litigation across a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, general manufacturing, and construction supply. An experienced trial counsel, his practice also includes intellectual property and general commercial litigation.</p>

Jim rejoined the firm in 2021 after nearly 10 years in elected office as an Ohio state representative. His legislative service culminated in his elevation to Speaker Pro Tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives in his final term before leaving governmental duty due to term limits. During his nearly 10 years serving as an Ohio state representative, Jim also served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the House Civil Justice Committee, Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee and as a member of the House Criminal Justice Committee, Health Committee, Education Committee and Finance Committee.

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<p>Jim rejoined the firm in 2021 after nearly 10 years in elected office as an Ohio state representative. His legislative service culminated in his elevation to Speaker Pro Tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives in his final term before leaving governmental duty due to term limits. During his nearly 10 years serving as an Ohio state representative, Jim also served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the House Civil Justice Committee, Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee and as a member of the House Criminal Justice Committee, Health Committee, Education Committee and Finance Committee.</p>

An Ohio native, Jim grew up in Washington Court House. Upon graduation from high school, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in the top 10% of his class, earning him a spot in flight school. While waiting to begin training as a naval aviator, he obtained a master’s degree in history from the University of Maryland. After completing flight school and receiving his wings, Jim was accorded the privilege of flying the F-14 Tomcat fighter.

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In a village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind, there lived not long since one of those gentlemen that keep a lance in the lance-rack, an old buckler, a lean hack, and a greyhound for coursing.

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<p>An Ohio native, Jim grew up in Washington Court House. Upon graduation from high school, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in the top 10% of his class, earning him a spot in flight school. While waiting to begin training as a naval aviator, he obtained a master’s degree in history from the University of Maryland. After completing flight school and receiving his wings, Jim was accorded the privilege of flying the F-14 Tomcat fighter.</p>

Jim returned to Ohio after leaving the military. Following his graduation from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, he began his work at Thompson Hine.

<p>Jim returned to Ohio after leaving the military. Following his graduation from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, he began his work at Thompson Hine.</p>

Jim’s desire to serve is also reflected in his volunteer work within the Dayton community. He is a member of Oakwood Rotary and a volunteer for the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyer Project, a complementary agency to Legal Aid of Western Ohio. He is also a member of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board of trustees, and former president of the Dayton Ballet Associate Board.

<p>Jim’s desire to serve is also reflected in his volunteer work within the Dayton community. He is a member of Oakwood Rotary and a volunteer for the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyer Project, a complementary agency to Legal Aid of Western Ohio. He is also a member of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board of trustees, and former president of the Dayton Ballet Associate Board.</p>

Jim and his wife, Dr. Melissa Butler, reside in Oakwood with their three daughters.

<p>Jim and his wife, Dr. Melissa Butler, reside in Oakwood with their three daughters.</p>

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<section class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more"><div class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__excerpt is-visible" data-selector="expand-more"><p></p></div><div class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__full-content" data-selector="expand-more"><p>An Ohio native, Jim grew up in Washington Court House. Upon graduation from high school, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in the top 10% of his class, earning him a spot in flight school. While waiting to begin training as a naval aviator, he obtained a master’s degree in history from the University of Maryland. After completing flight school and receiving his wings, Jim was accorded the privilege of flying the F-14 Tomcat fighter.</p><p>Jim returned to Ohio after leaving the military. Following his graduation from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, he began his work at Thompson Hine.</p><p>Jim’s desire to serve is also reflected in his volunteer work within the Dayton community. He is a member of Oakwood Rotary and a volunteer for the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyer Project, a complementary agency to Legal Aid of Western Ohio. He is also a member of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board of trustees, and former president of the Dayton Ballet Associate Board.</p><p>Jim and his wife, Dr. Melissa Butler, reside in Oakwood with their three daughters.</p></div><button class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__more-button is-visible" data-selector="expand-more">Show More</button><button class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__less-button" data-selector="expand-more">Show Less</button></section>

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Selected by peers for inclusion in&nbsp;<em>The Best Lawyers in America</em><sup>®</sup>&nbsp;for 5 years or longer.&nbsp;

<p>Selected by peers for inclusion in&nbsp;<em>The Best Lawyers in America</em><sup>®</sup>&nbsp;for 5 years or longer.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Selected by peers for inclusion in&nbsp;<em>The Best Lawyers in America</em><sup>®</sup>&nbsp;for 5 years or longer.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D., 2005

University of Maryland, M.A., 1996

United States Naval Academy, B.S., 1995

Thompson Hine Elects Nine New Partners in 2025

Business Litigation

Global Supply Chain Services

Partner

Jim Butler

<ul>
<li>Selected for inclusion in <em>The Best Lawyers in America</em><sup>®</sup> 2019 to 2027 for Commercial Litigation</li>
<li>Lawyer-Legislator Distinguished Service Award, Ohio State Bar Association, 2019</li>
<li>Legislative Champion Award, Ohio Jewish Communities, 2019</li>
<li><em>Dayton Business Journal</em> Veterans of Influence award honoree, 2017</li>
<li><em>Dayton Business Journal</em> 40 Under 40, 2011</li>
<li>District Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under, Ohio State Bar Foundation, 2010</li>
<li>Selected to the Ohio Rising Stars list, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014</li>
</ul>


Distinctions

<h3>Professional Associations</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dayton Bar Association, Young Lawyer Division, chairman, Community Service Committee, 2006-2007</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Activities</h3>
<ul>
<li>Representative, Ohio House of Representatives, District 41, 2011-2020</li>
</ul>
<h3>Community Activities</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, member, Board of Trustees</li>
<li>Wright Image Group, member, Board of Directors</li>
<li>Dayton Ballet Associate Board, president, 2008-2011</li>
<li>Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, board member, Strategic Planning Committee, 2007-2012</li>
<li>Rotary, City of Oakwood</li>
<li>Volunteer Lawyers Project</li>
</ul>


JimButler

JimButler

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