James M. Kersey - a Cleveland, Ohio (OH) Criminal Defense Lawyer

Cleveland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense 80%
White Collar Crimes 20%

Attorney Information

Overview

Attorney James M. Kersey is the founder and principal of the law firm of the same name based in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Kersey's legal practice has been focused exclusively on criminal defense for more than 50 years. He has tried more than 300 jury trials, including 65 aggravated murder cases and 30 death penalty cases. He has attained more than 82 jury verdict wins, including 12 aggravated murder cases and one death penalty case.

In 2009, Mr. Kersey represented a client accused of "double murder," and won two acquittals on his client's behalf. His law firm has handled a significant number of high-profile cases, defending political figures, celebrities and sports personalities.

In his white collar criminal defense practice, lawyer James Kersey has tried several state and federal RICO cases, and has also represented lawyers, medical doctors and police officers accused of various white collar crimes.

Mr. Kersey is a member of:

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, member and past president
Recipient of the John Butler Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Criminal Trial Work
Ohio State Bar Association
Super Lawyer Listing 2010, 2011,2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019

Mr. Kersey has authored numerous articles on the subject of criminal trial practice, spoken at length on matters involving criminal law, and served as an expert in the area of firearms and ballistics.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

James M. Kersey included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

Recipient, John Butler Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Criminal Trial Work
Past President of the Cuyahoga Criminal defense Lawyers Ass. Winner of the John P. Butler Lifetime Achievement in Criminal Defense
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2010 - 2023

Other Sources of Feedback About James M. Kersey

Included on the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2022 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2021 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2020 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2019 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2018 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2017 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2016 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2015 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2014 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2013 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2012 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2011 Ohio Super Lawyers list
2010 Ohio Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio
  J.D.
Non Legal Education
- The Citadel, 1965
  B.A.

Published Works

Articles

Lawyers Handbook for Firearms and Ballistics

Bar Admissions

U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio

Other Affiliations

Ohio State Bar Association
Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2002 (President)
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Contact

Cleveland, OH

1360 E. 9th St.
Suite 600
Cleveland, OH 44114 - 1730

Directions

Phone: 216-592-9825

Fax: 216-241-5464

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.jamesmkerseylaw.com

Credit Cards Accepted

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James M. Kersey - Cleveland, OH