About J. 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 co-chair of Katten's Private Equity and M&A practice, David is a true legal strategist who brings a passion for winning and a proven ability to get things done.

Unique experience coupled with an ability to solve problems

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.

"David Washburn and his team are the best. They are business partners, not just lawyers."

U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2022 "Best Law Firms"
(Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law) survey response

Practice Focus

  • Leads buy- and sell-side change of control transactions as principle deal architect, negotiator and client contact
  • Creates and implements efficient serial acquisition programs
  • Proactively represents transaction participants in connection with post-closing disputes
  • Represents investors and businesses in connection with financing transactions
  • Handles complex corporate drafting

Representative Experience

  • Lead counsel in M&A transactions in a variety of industries including technology, aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, healthcare, oil and gas, manufacturing, distribution, timeshare, finance, and construction services.
  • Represented significant FinTech company in its sale to a publicly traded industry participant.
  • Represented Kore.ai, the world leader in conversational AI technology, in numerous financing M&A transactions. 
  • Lead counsel to Special Committee of Board of Directors of Lapmaster Group Holdings (a multi-national manufacturer of highly specialized grinding and polishing machines used in the aerospace and semi-conductor industries) in its merger with Bison Capital and Angeles Equity following international sales process.
  • Represented TTI, a Berkshire Hathaway company and distributor for industrial, military, aerospace and consumer electronic manufacturers worldwide, in various strategic acquisitions.
  • Represented ExploreUSA RV Supercenters in its sale to a private equity-led acquirer.
  • Represented Service Experts in creation of customized Serial Acquisition Program and numerous strategic transactions thereunder.
  • Represented Andy's™ (a multi-state franchisor) and all of its franchisees in coordinated sale to private equity.
  • Represented national nut, confections and candy company in sale process, resulting in strategic acquisition by Johnvince Foods.
  • Represented prominent SaaS developer in the insurance industry in its sale of equity to a technology-focused private equity firm.
  • Represented food manufacturer in its sale to a private equity-led acquirer. 
  • Represented one of the largest private investment firms in the world in its sale of a vacation ownership company. This created one of the nation's largest timeshare resort operators. *
  • Represented one of the largest providers of recall management services to US automakers in the sale of the company to a publicly traded acquirer. *
  • Represented three oil and gas gathering/marketing companies in their simultaneous sale to a diversified midstream MLP. *
  • Represented a classified US drone manufacturer in the sale of the company, following an international sales process. *
  • Represented a high-tech automotive inventory management tool/software company in its sale to a private equity investor. *
  • Represented one of the largest telematics providers in the world in the sale of the company. *
  • Represented a vacation ownership company in its sale to one of the largest private investment firms in the world. *
  • Represented a provider of smartphone applications in its sale. *
  • Represented a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider in acquiring a memory enhancement product. *
  • Represented buyers and sellers of various national and regional construction industry participants, both bonded and unbonded (including a manufacturer of high-rise and commercial construction components, a high-power line installation and service company, a bridge and infrastructure company, a turf field and sports track installer, and a large commercial and mechanical systems contractor). *
  • Represented domestic interexchange carrier in acquiring a multinational telecommunications company. *
  • Represented successful acquirer in a litigated contest for control of a high-growth, high-technology company. *
* Experience prior to Katten

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Practices
Industries
Education
  • The University of Tulsa College of Law, JD, with highest honors, Order of the Curule Chair
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln, BA
Bar Admissions
  • Texas
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Best Lawyers in America
    Corporate Law, 2015–2025
    Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2024–2025
  • D Magazine
    Best Lawyers in Dallas, 2012, 2015, 2021, 2023–2024
    Best Lawyers Under 40, 2002
  • Super Lawyers
    Texas, 2013–2020, 2022–2024
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2008–2009, 2012, 2014, 2016–2017, 2022–2024
Award Methodologies