April 20, 2023 – Ulmer & Berne LLP is pleased to announce the addition of three experienced attorneys to its growing Columbus office – Counsel David A. Ferris, Counsel Matthew J. Schonauer, and Associate M. Salman (Sal) Shah. This expansion aligns with Ulmer’s commitment to strategic growth as a result of increased client demand, and enhances the firm’s ability to serve a growing number of commercial clients with transactional and litigation matters throughout Ohio, the Midwest, and nationwide.
“It’s gratifying to see the strategic growth of Ulmer in Central Ohio become a reality with the addition of new attorneys to our Columbus office,” said Rex A. Littrell, Partner-in-Charge of Ulmer’s Columbus office. “David, Matt, and Sal each bring a level of experience and depth to the firm that further allows us to serve our clients in even greater capacities, and to continue to provide the highest level of client service and top-notch legal counsel. We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm.”
David A. Ferris brings more than 30 years of experience representing commercial clients with respect to transportation, supply chain management, and warehousing. He represents manufacturers, warehouse operators, carriers, third-party logistics providers, and trade organizations in various matters including supply chain management and fulfillment services, edge solutions and licensing, cargo claims (Carmack, Hague Rules, and COGSA), independent contractor classification and litigation, and regulatory matters of all types at all levels. In addition, David is engaged in the construction industry, including projects, transactions and litigation involving land development, zoning, codes and ordinances, build-to-suit contracts, indefeasible rights of use (IRUs), utility and infrastructure installation, and the purchase, transportation, delivery, and rigging of heavy equipment and machinery. He received his undergraduate degree from Miami University and his J.D. from Capital University Law School.
Matthew J. Schonauer focuses his practice on intellectual property prosecution. He has a variety of experience with federal trademark and copyright registration, patent prosecution, patent, trademark and copyright infringement litigation, trademark licensing, UDRP domain name disputes, and the representation of clients in Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) proceedings. His practice includes the preparation and prosecution of domestic and international patent applications involving mechanical, electrical, aviation device, medical device, food and beverage preparation, business method, artificial intelligence, and software inventions. He also counsels clients on nationwide trademark licensing programs, branding strategies, Amazon marketplace disputes and brand protection, and international intellectual property portfolio protection. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and received his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Salman Shah is a litigator with significant experience representing clients in cases and matters involving transportation, cargo claims, general liability, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, and professional liability. He has participated on catastrophic loss emergency response teams and has investigated dozens of trucking accidents involving death and serious personal injury. He has first-chair case management experience at all phases of litigation. He received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, magna cum laude, and his J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.