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 Treleven & Klingensmith, J.R. worked at Faruki PLL, Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, and as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Clermont County, Ohio. Using his background in business and law, J.R. can provide his clients with a unique perspective on their case and vigorously advocate for the most beneficial outcome. As a defense attorney and assistant prosecutor, he is experienced in contentious court cases and knows the importance of every detail in his client’s cases. J.R. has successfully advocated for his clients through pretrial resolution methods and obtained favorable verdicts in bench and jury trial settings.

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.