Experience
David Croft offers a distinctive blend of legal expertise and business insight, honed from many years of experience both as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer. This unique perspective allows David to deeply grasp the intricacies of his clients’ needs and offer tailored, strategic counsel in business law.
David’s practice focuses on guiding businesses and entrepreneurs through various stages of growth and transition. Whether launching new ventures, purchasing or selling existing businesses, or reviewing investment opportunities, David brings a comprehensive approach to every client. He is skilled at establishing robust internal governance, crafting agreements with customers and partners, and negotiating sophisticated business deals, ensuring his clients’ interests are protected throughout.
A cornerstone of David’s expertise lies in helping clients identify and capitalize on their market leverage and competitive advantages. He is particularly adept at safeguarding and defending intellectual property, a critical asset for many businesses.
David has extensive experience in the technology and manufacturing sectors, representing a diverse range of clients from industries such as artificial intelligence, software development, video gaming, medical marijuana, and digital currency to manufacturing, distribution, service provision, and supply. His diverse background equips him with the nuanced understanding needed to provide expert, industry-specific guidance.
His ability to navigate the legal and business landscapes of these industries makes him a trusted advisor to executives and business owners aiming to achieve their strategic objectives.
An Ohio native, David treasures time with family and friends, enjoys traveling, and has a passion for music, outdoor activities, and culinary pursuits.
Representative Matters
- Represented a multi-million dollar fuel distribution company with review of software development agreements, credit applications and customer finance matters totaling more than $3 million.
- Represented closely held real estate investment companies in the portfolio acquisition of multiple office buildings and real estate worth approximately $83 million.
- Represented seller in the sale of a printing company to a private equity group for approximately $30 million.
Speaking Engagements
- University of Dayton School of Law; 28th Annual Program in Law and Technology Seminar, June 2018; “Does Your Client/Business Need the Blockchain? Why or Why Not?”
- Employer Resource Council (ERC), Highland Heights, Ohio, October, 2018; “Ask the Expert: Cybersecurity Awareness and Prevention”
- Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET), Cleveland, Ohio, State of Manufacturing: Important Trends Affecting Northeast Ohio Manufacturers, November 2018; “Blockchain is here, and Your Company Better Be Prepared”
- Blockland, Cleveland, Ohio; Blockland Solutions Conference, December, 2018; “Who Needs Blockchain and Why?”
Civic and Professional Involvement
- Crain’s Cleveland Business 2022 Notables in Law
- Ohio Super Lawyers, 2022 – 2024
- American Bar Association, Section Advisor to the Uniform Law Commission Study Committee on Use of Tokens or Other Similar Products in Real Property Transactions
- Advisory Board, Program in Law & Technology (PILT), University of Dayton School of Law
- Ohio State and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Associations
- Ohio State Bar Association, Subcommittee on Medical Marijuana
- Cleveland Christian Home, Board of Directors
- American Cancer Society
- Knights of Columbus
- Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts of America
Bar Admissions
- Ohio
Education
- University of Toledo (BA, Psychology)
- University of Akron School of Law (JD)
- University of Akron College of Business Administration (MS, Taxation)
Videos
Blockchain Does (or Will) Affect Your Business
Data Breach Horror Stories (And What We Can Learn From Them)