William J. Seitz, III

William J. Seitz, III

Partner Of Counsel

Biography

As both a respected state legislator and an accomplished litigator, Bill brings unique experience and perspective to clients. He has more than 40 years of experience handling a wide range of matters, ranging from antitrust proceedings to franchise and distribution law. As a long-time leader in supporting criminal and civil justice reform, he is able to draw upon his knowledge to help clients navigate through complex regulations and resolve disputes efficiently.

He has practiced antitrust law for more than 40 years and was recognized in 2014 by Best Lawyers© as Southwest Ohio's Antitrust "Lawyer of the Year." Bill served on the Board of Governors of the Antitrust Section of the Ohio State Bar Association and has litigated antitrust cases in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Florida. While serving in the State General Assembly, he successfully amended Ohio's antitrust statutes and has represented numerous nationally and internationally known corporations in counseling or litigating antitrust matters.

Bill’s leadership abilities and knowledge of the justice system have also enabled him to become a valued leader in the State of Ohio, where he currently serves as majority leader in the Ohio House of Representatives. Previously, he served in the Ohio House for seven years, where he became majority whip, before joining the Ohio Senate in 2007 and then returning to the Ohio House in 2017. He has helped lead efforts to reform sentencing laws, reduce prison overcrowding, eliminate barriers to employment for non-violent offenders and enhance penalties for violent offenders. He also was an integral figure in helping usher in Ohio’s sweeping tort reform, which helped transform the state’s business landscape. His work led to him receiving the prestigious U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform State Legislative Achievement Award in 2013. In 2019, Best Lawyers© named him Best Lawyer in Southwest Ohio for municipal litigation. 

Education

  • University of Cincinnati College of Law  (J.D., 1978)
  • University of Cincinnati  (B.A., 1975)

Bar Admissions

  • Ohio

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio

Affiliations/Memberships

  • Ohio House of Representatives, majority leader
  • American Legislative Exchange Council, Board of Directors
  • University of Cincinnati Law School, Board of Advisors
  • Hamilton County Transportation Improvement District
  • Ohio State Bar Association, Antitrust Section Board of Governors past member 
  • Western Hills Country Club
  • Hamilton County Republican Party, Executive Committee
  • Fraternal Order of Police Associates
  • Westwood Civic Association, past president
  • Western Economic Council, past president
  • Cincinnati Recreation Commission, past commissioner
  • Invest in Neighborhoods, past trustee

Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers©
    • "Lawyer of the Year" in Cincinnati for Litigation - Municipal (2020)
    • Antitrust Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Municipal (2021-2024)
  • U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform State Legislative Achievement Award (2013)
  • The Power 100 by Cincy Magazine (2012 - 2014)