Profile
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. ⚖️
Specializing In
Aggravated Murder Defense, Death Penalty Cases, White Collar Crime, RICO Defense
Address & Location
1360 E 9th St, Suite 600, Cleveland, OH 44114
Building Location
The office is located in the IMG Center (formerly the Investment Plaza), a 15-story modernist office building in the Financial District. It is situated at the corner of E 9th St and St. Clair Ave.
Suite Access
Visitors should enter through the main lobby on E 9th St. The building has a security desk; take the elevators to the 6th Floor.
Parking Details
Parking is available in the attached IMG Garage. Additional parking can be found at the Galleria at Erieview across the street.
Public Transit
The office is well-served by public transit, with the E 9th St & St. Clair Ave bus stop located directly outside. The Amtrak Station is also nearby.
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