Background & Professional Experience
J.R. Bernans is an Ohio native who grew up the son of a history teacher and pharmacist. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, J.R. left home after high school and attended the University of Cincinnati to pursue a career in the legal field and help those around him. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. After earning his accounting degree, J.R. went on to attend the University of Cincinnati College of Law where he graduated magna cum laude and in the top ten percent of his class. While in law school, J.R. was a member of the UC Law Review, Trial Team, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Clinic, and worked as a fellow at the Ohio Innocence Project where he worked to get wrongfully incarcerated individuals out of prison.
Above all, J.R. is a litigator and trial attorney. In his career, he has gained extensive experience in both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, white-collar cases, federal regulatory matters and complex civil litigation. Before joining The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, J.R. worked at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima as a criminal defense attorney and as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Clermont County, Ohio in their felony division. J.R. offers a unique perspective and skillset in criminal law having worked on both sides of the criminal justice system. Using his extensive background in criminal law and business, J.R vigorously advocates for the most beneficial outcome and protects his clients’ constitutional rights. As a defense attorney and assistant prosecutor, he is experienced in contentious court cases and knows the importance of every detail in his clients’ cases. J.R. has successfully advocated for his clients through pretrial resolution methods and obtained favorable verdicts in bench and jury trial settings. Specifically, his criminal experience includes misdemeanor and felony OVIs, felony drug offenses, violent crimes, sex offenses, and murder charges.
No matter the case or legal issue, J.R.’s mission as an attorney is to provide high-quality legal services to his clients and to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. He is passionate about giving his clients the highest-tier legal representation and guidance. Above all, he strives to represent each client with integrity, honesty, and the will to protect them when they need it most.
