Doug Holthus

Partner

Columbus, OH
D 614.683.8411
doug.holthus@fmglaw.com

Overview

Doug Holthus is a Partner and Office Chair of Freeman Mathis & Gary's Columbus, Ohio office and a member of the Firm's On Call Trial team. He is also Chair of the firm's Midwest Coverage practice team. Mr. Holthus’ primary areas of focus are the defense of general tort/general liability claims, the defense of commercial claims, the defense of private and public employers in labor and employment disputes (including federal and state claims of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment/hostile work environment claims), the defense of sex/human trafficking claims, construction claims defense litigation, and the defense of civil rights claims and other governmental entity liability issues. Doug also handles commercial disputes and general liability matters. He has tried, advocated and or arbitrated nearly one hundred cases before civil juries, administrative licensing (and other) boards and arbitration panels throughout Ohio (as well as Illinois, Michigan, and California), in both state and federal court.

Doug serves as Vice-Chair of the Ohio Academy of Civil Trial Attorneys (“OACTA”) Employment Practice Section, has served as Chair of the Columbus, Ohio Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee and is a past Member of the Board of Directors of the Professional Liability Defense Federation (“PLDF”). Doug is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates ("ABOTA"). Doug is “AV Preeminent Rated” by Martindale-Hubbell, as well as named a “Best Lawyer” by Best Lawyers in America.

Bar Admissions

Ohio

U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio

U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio

Publications & Engagements
  • “How to Use Exclusions, Ambiguous Terms and Conditions Evidence” – National Business Institute (2016)
  • “What Renters Should Know about Keeping Pets” – Law You Can Use – Ohio State Bar Association (2016)
  • “What College Students Should Know about Apartment Leasing” – Law You Can Use – Ohio State Bar Association (2016)
Representative Cases & Clients
  • Wrongful Death / Medical Negligence: successful defense of facial plastic surgeon / verdict.
  • Wrongful Death / Product Liability: successful defense of hydraulic equipment supplier / verdict.
  • Wrongful Death / Motor Vehicle; successful defense of national highway general contractor / verdict; motorist’s Estate’s claims.
  • Sexual Assault / Long-Term Care Psychiatric Facility: successful defense / verdict; alleged patient – patient rape.
  • Wrongful Death / Trucking: successful defense of interstate trucking company / verdict; motorist’s Estate’s claims.
  • Wrongful Death / Trucking: successful defense of national food service supplier / verdict; motorist’s Estate’s claims.
  • Sexual Harassment / Employment: successful defense of national retailer / verdict.
  • Professional Negligence / Legal Malpractice: successful defense of estate planning attorney / verdict.
  • Construction Claims: successful defense of national retailer / verdict (alleged improper flood control design.)
  • Construction Claims (personal injury): successful defense of roadway general contractor / verdict (alleged improper maintenance of construction zone and debilitating injuries suffered by motorcyclist.)
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
    • Associate Membership Level
  • Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (OACTA)
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Professionalism Committee, Chair
  • Professional Liability Defense Federation (PLDF)
  • Board of Directors, Member (2014-2016)
Awards and Recognition

  • 2024 “Lawyer of the Year,” Best Lawyers
  • 2023-2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
  • AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
  • Named a Super Lawyer for Civil Litigation: Defense by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine (2017 – 2020)
  • Served as General Counsel for Kokosing Construction Company (2007-2011)
Classes/Seminars Taught

“How to Use Exclusions, Ambiguous Terms and Conditions as Evidence” – National Business Institute (2016)