Kersey James M - Cleveland, OH

A Titan of Criminal Defense

James Monroe Kersey, Attorney at Law, is a legendary figure in the Cleveland criminal defense community. With a career spanning over 50 years, James M. Kersey has built a reputation as a fearless trial lawyer who handles the most serious and high-profile cases in the state. He has tried more than 300 jury trials, a staggering number that includes over 65 aggravated murder cases and 30 death penalty cases. 🏛️ His firm is not for those seeking a quick plea deal; it is for clients who need a 'ferocious defense' against severe charges. Based in the iconic IMG Building in downtown Cleveland, Mr. Kersey brings half a century of courtroom warfare experience to every case he accepts.

High-Stakes Litigation

The firm's practice is exclusively focused on criminal defense, with a particular emphasis on major felonies and white-collar crimes:

• Homicide & Capital Cases: Renowned for defending clients facing the death penalty and aggravated murder charges, with a track record of securing acquittals in life-or-death situations.
• White Collar Crime: Representing professionals, politicians, and business leaders accused of RICO violations, fraud, and public corruption.
• Federal Defense: Handling complex federal investigations and prosecutions involving drug conspiracies and interstate crimes.
• Firearms Defense: Mr. Kersey is an expert in firearms and ballistics, knowledge he leverages to challenge forensic evidence in shooting cases.

Lifetime Achievement

James M. Kersey's contributions to the legal field have been widely recognized. He is a recipient of the John Butler Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Criminal Trial Work, one of the highest honors a defense attorney in Cuyahoga County can receive. He has been consistently named to the Super Lawyers list for over a decade. Beyond his awards, he is a past president of the Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and a mentor to countless younger attorneys. His deep understanding of the law is complemented by his practical experience as an expert witness in ballistics.

Located in the IMG Center

The firm's headquarters are in the IMG Center (formerly the Investment Plaza) on East 9th Street. This location places the firm in the financial and legal heart of Cleveland, steps away from the federal courthouse. The office reflects the seriousness and prestige of the practice. When you hire James M. Kersey, you are hiring a lawyer who has spent his life in the trenches of the justice system, fighting for the lives and liberties of his clients against overwhelming odds. ⚖️