Bio

Fordham E. Huffman has practiced law for more than thirty years, representing clients ranging from some of the largest companies in the world to individuals who have suffered harm as a result of negligence, discrimination or willful misconduct. In every instance, Ford’s determination has been to achieve a fair result for his client, in an efficient and timely manner. Ford has practiced as a litigator throughout his career, first with a leading regional firm in the Southeast, then with one of the largest law firms in the world out of their office in Columbus, Ohio. For five years, Ford has ran his own practice, litigating on behalf of corporate and individual clients, serving as a mediator, arbitrator and expert witness, and counseling clients regarding business organization, crisis management and risk management. Ford has litigation experience in all levels of state and federal courts in jurisdictions throughout the United States. He has participated in arbitrations, mediations and regulatory hearings. Ford served as counsel to the receiver of an insolvent insurance company in litigation against the company’s former management and auditors, which resulted in a verdict of $119.9 million and a collected judgment of over $200 million. During the meltdown of 2008, Ford served as regulatory litigation counsel to one of the largest financial guaranty insurance companies in a restructuring that resulted in substantial capital enhancement through an innovative reinsurance transaction. He has also regularly represented clients in commercial and bankruptcy litigation and has served as nationwide product liability defense counsel for an international building products manufacturer. Ford has also represented attorneys in litigation, mediation and administrative proceedings defending against claims of malpractice and professional misconduct. Ford’s approach to business disputes is that they need to be addressed as a business problem first, not as an abstract legal issue needing resolution. The legal system is relevant to the conduct of business, but it need not dictate or supplant sound business practices. Risk management and communication are important preventative steps for businesses to take to minimize their litigation risk. Ford offers the experience and judgment to assist companies in recognizing those risks and in implementing effective means of minimizing them. Despite a company’s best efforts, litigation cannot always be avoided and, sometimes, it is the correct business solution to a problem. In those situations, Ford has the experience and knowledge to conduct the litigation in a professional, effective and efficient manner. He will partner with employees in the company who are familiar with its operations, its internal resources, and its objectives. Although litigation is not predictable, it is not wholly unmanageable either, and Ford will work to control costs, reduce the diversion of management time and resources, and provide realistic assessments of the client’s legal position. One of the most frustrating aspects of litigation for business clients is its seemingly uncontrollable cost. There are many reasons for the upward trend in litigation expense. Some are beyond any lawyer’s or client’s ability to control; others are susceptible of greater management and can be held in check. Ford has had extensive experience in managing litigation and practice costs and will bring that experience and knowledge to every client engagement, doing what can be done to reduce costs without sacrificing the effective conduct of the litigation. Ford Huffman has seen the practice of law and service to clients through a number of lenses. In his own practice, he draws on those observations in seeking to provide the highest level of service in the most efficient but effective manner. At all times, the client’s interests are paramount and an acceptable outcome consistent with the client’s objectives is the goal. Ford is committed to bringing the knowledge and experience he has gained over his career to bear on the problems and opportunities facing his clients. Whether it is the prospect of litigation, the need for a sounding board for evaluating business options and strategies, or foreseeing and/or managing a crisis, Ford has the experience and knowledge to help a client navigate the way forward.