Atty. John L. O'Shea

Atty. John L. O'Shea

John practices in all areas of litigation with particular emphasis on criminal, white collar and DUI/OVI (“drunk driving”) defense; and civil litigation involving municipal law, business law, and serious personal injury and wrongful death claims in both State and Federal Court. John was named to the Super Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers in Ohio for 2013. 2017 and 2018 and the Top 50 Lawyers in Cincinnati for 2012 through 2018.

Cincinnati Cincinnati 37 yrs experience 37 year
Call (513) 421-4020 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John L. O'Shea at a glance

John L. O'Shea is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in Cincinnati, Ohio, practicing at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC. They have 37+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1989. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1989). Educated at University of Cincinnati (JD, 1989). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Cincinnati) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Serands clients in Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John practices in all areas of litigation with particular emphasis on criminal, white collar and DUI/OVI (“drunk driving”) defense
  • and civil litigation involving municipal law, business law, and serious personal injury and wrongful death claims in both State and Federal Court
  • John was named to the Super Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers in Ohio for 2013. 2017 and 2018 and the Top 50 Lawyers in Cincinnati for 2012 through 2018
  • He is The Best Lawyers in America 2015 Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year” and Best Lawyers in America 2018 Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White Collar “Lawyer of the Year”
  • John also has a perfect 10.0 rating from AVVO.com and was honored with AVVO’s 2014 Client’s Choice Award
  • See John’s AVVO.com profile for peer endorsements and client reviews
  • Before joining the firm in 1994, John served as an assistant prosecutor in the Juvenile, Municipal, and Common Pleas Court trial divisions of the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office
  • During that time, John was also appointed by the Ohio Attorney General to serve as a special prosecutor for the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission
  • After joining the firm, John was twice appointed as a special prosecutor by the Hamilton County Courts
  • Today, John uses his trial experience to effectively defend individuals and businesses in white collar criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses of every type, including drug offenses and driving under the influence charges
  • In civil matters, John has successfully advised and represented business clients on various corporate matters, disputes and litigation
  • He has won significant awards for clients in numerous personal injury and wrongful death cases
  • Call John at 513-300-4012 at any time if you need help immediately
  • Call at your convenience for a free consultation or if you just have a question

Practice Areas Explained

John L. O'Shea's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John L. O'Shea handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

John L. O'Shea is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Ohio →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

John L. O'Shea is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Ohio →

White Collar Crimes

John L. O'Shea is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Ohio →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

John L. O'Shea is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Ohio →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Ohio

Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Cincinnati are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Cincinnati or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John L. O'Shea

Where is John L. O'Shea's law office located?
John L. O'Shea's law practice is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm is Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John L. O'Shea handle?
John L. O'Shea focuses on criminal defense, business, white collar, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
How long has John L. O'Shea practiced law?
John L. O'Shea has 37+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1989.
Where did John L. O'Shea go to law school?
John L. O'Shea earned their education at (JD, 1989).
How can I contact John L. O'Shea for a consultation?
You can contact John L. O'Shea directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John L. O'Shea received?
John L. O'Shea's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Cincinnati); Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:.

Education

JD
University of Cincinnati
- 1989

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Cincinnati)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Civil
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers 2013, 2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Ohio Super Lawyer 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AVVO.com Perfect 10.0 “Superb” Rating
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AVVO.com 2014 Client’s Choice Award
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Cincinnati)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Cincinnati)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Cincinnati)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Cincinnati)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Cincinnati)
- 2015

Bar Admissions

Ohio
Admitted: 1989

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