Attorney David Betras, Senior Partner at Betras, Kopp & Harshman, LLC, directs the firm’s non-litigation activities. His primary responsibilities include resolving clients’ personal injury and medical malpractice claims before a lawsuit is filed. David also practices criminal defense law in both the state and federal courts. He is certified to try death penalty cases.

David graduated Cum Laude from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Science in 1982. He attended law school at Capital University, where he was elected to the Order of the Curia. He graduated Cum Laude and earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1985. While in law school, David won American Jurisprudence Awards for demonstrating excellence in the subjects of Torts and Wills and Estates.

David began his legal career as an attorney with Betras & Betras in 1985. David was actively involved in case management, research and drafting opinions and orders. In 1992, David became a founding member of Betras & Dann. In 1998 he became a founding partner of Betras, Maruca & Kopp, LLC.

David’s reputation, integrity and ability led to his appointment as the Special Prosecutor of a sweeping probe of corruption in Mahoning County. That investigation, which began in October of 1998, resulting in numerous convictions and government refroms.

David is a member of the Mahoning and Trumbull County Bar Associations, the American Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, and American Association for Justice. His professional achievements include:

• Admitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio (November 1985)

• Admitted to the Northern District of Ohio District Court (December 1985)

• Admitted to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (December 1992)

• Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court (September 1992)

• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania (February 1993)

• Former President of Mahoning-Trumbull Counties Academy of Trial Lawyers

• Former Interim Director for the Mahoning County Child Support Enforcement Agency

• Former Compliance Officer for Mahoning County Child Support Enforcement Agency

• Former Professor, Youngstown State University

• Guest Lecturer at both national and statewide seminars for various groups

• Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (1999).