J.R. Bernans

J.R. Bernans, originally from Ohio, completed his undergraduate studies in accounting at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. He then pursued his legal education at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, graduating magna cum laude and within the top ten percent of his class. During his time in law school, he was an active member of the UC Law Trial Team and served as a Citation Editor for the University of Cincinnati Law Review.

Mr. Bernans began his legal career as a fellow with The Ohio Innocence Project, focusing on post-conviction and appellate matters to assist wrongfully convicted individuals. His appellate work continued at the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Clinic, where he honed his skills in navigating complex appellate processes.

Before joining Rittgers & Rittgers, J.R. gained significant experience at Faruki PLL, where he defended clients in intricate civil and white-collar criminal disputes. His practice involved working with individual executives, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies, addressing issues at the nexus of white-collar civil and criminal prosecutions.

J.R. leverages his accounting background to offer a unique perspective to his civil and white-collar clients, striving for efficient solutions and the best possible outcomes. At Rittgers & Rittgers, his practice areas include criminal defense, civil litigation, and University Title IX claims.