Benjamin E. Horowitz

Partner
Horowitz Benjamin

Ben Horowitz is a trial attorney, litigator, and business advisor to clients in and outside of the courtroom. Ben represents clients in disputes related to partnerships and limited liability companies, investment funds, non-competes and business break-ups, real estate development and construction, financial services, and various other contract issues and business torts. He represents a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from publicly traded companies to individual investors, creditors, and business owners. 

Ben has extensive experience litigating in courts and arbitrations across the country. He has handled all facets of trial work, including giving opening statements and closing arguments, conducting direct and cross-examinations of lay and expert witnesses, and arguing countless motions in state and federal courts.

Ben also frequently acts as an outside general counsel to clients, advising them on ways to avoid litigation when possible. Clients rely on Ben to provide measured and thoughtful advice and, when necessary, to fiercely protect their rights.

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Won outright dismissal of all claims on behalf of client facing federal enforcement action. Venable's motion for sanctions based on government misconduct during discovery was granted in whole by a federal judge, and the case against Venable's client was dismissed after a years-long litigation and discovery period
  • Argued and won summary judgment in favor of secured lender in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • Successfully quashed federal agency's administrative subpoena in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The DC Circuit affirmed on appeal, which was the first time in decades that a federal appeals court struck down an administrative subpoena issued by the federal government
  • Obtained partial jury verdict in dispute regarding existence of a partnership after five-week trial in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • Successfully represented group of limited partners in arbitration against ouster by general partner. The dispute was favorably settled mid-arbitration
  • Obtained summary judgment in the middle of trial in Virginia court in favor of lender suing guarantor to collect loan defaulted on by borrowers
  • Defeated certification in nationwide class action seeking remedies under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and consumer protection statutes
  • Secured anonymous treatment on behalf of client suing the CFPB in federal court, which was the first time that a court had granted John Doe status to a party challenging any aspect of a CFPB CID
  • Assisted in the defense of state False Claims Act litigation and the prosecution of related federal action involving allegations that an IT systems provider delivered inadequate solutions for the operation of a state-run healthcare exchange
  • Achieved six-figure settlement on behalf of pro bono client in case brought against municipality under Section 1983 for excessive use of force and unlawful search and seizure

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. magna cum laude American University, Washington College of Law 2012
    • Order of the Coif
    • Note & Comment editor, American University Law Review
  • B.A. University of Maryland 2007

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • U.S. Tax Court

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, Venable Hiring Committee
  • Former coordinator, Venable Summer Associate Program
  • Graduate, National Institute for Trial Advocacy's (NITA) Advanced Trial Advocacy: Next Level Trial Techniques Program

Recognition
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  • The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2021 – 2025

Community
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Pro Bono

  • Maintains an active pro bono practice and has achieved favorable results for low-income individuals and nonprofits that serve DC's poorest populations