About J.R.
J.R. Bernans earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2019 after beginning law studies in 2016. He studied criminal law in law school, where classroom work and clinic experience shaped his interest in courtroom practice. The years at Cincinnati provided the legal foundation he carries into practice today.
After law school, Bernans established his practice in Ohio. He is associated with Rittgers & Rittgers, where he handles matters arising under state criminal statutes. His work ranges from intake and investigation to drafting motions and representing clients at hearings. He spends much of his time preparing cases for trial and advising clients on procedural and substantive choices that affect outcomes.
Bernans’s training in criminal law informs how he approaches each case. He focuses on fact development, witness preparation and the tactical use of pretrial litigation. He has experience conducting evidentiary hearings and negotiating resolutions in court. In the office he prepares briefs, argues motions and coordinates discovery. In court he represents clients at arraignments, plea hearings and jury trials.
Colleagues describe him as methodical and direct in client interviews. He aims to explain legal options in plain terms and to set realistic expectations. He also spends time reviewing police reports and motions that challenge evidence. That attention to detail shapes both strategy and courtroom presentation.
Bernans maintains current memberships in professional associations and keeps up with continuing legal education requirements. He participates in firm case reviews and contributes to case planning. Outside of casework he follows developments in Ohio criminal procedure and recent appellate decisions that affect trial practice.
He practices from offices of Rittgers & Rittgers and represents clients in criminal matters across the state of Ohio. His caseload includes misdemeanor and felony matters, pretrial litigation and trial representation. He currently practices at Rittgers & Rittgers, handling criminal defense and related litigation matters.
