
John Michael Hands, Business Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratUlmer & Berne LLP
Cincinnati, OH
Practicing business in Cincinnati since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John Michael Hands?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
John Michael Hands is a partner based in Cincinnati, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Contracts. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ulmer & Berne LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Cincinnati, OH
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Business · Construction · Contracts
- Handles Business, Construction, and Contracts matters from Cincinnati, OH.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Michael Hands: John Michael Hands is a partner based in Cincinnati, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Contracts. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ulmer & Berne LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on business, construction, contracts, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Construction
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Contracts
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Business cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
John takes business matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
John takes construction matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
John takes contracts matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
John takes general matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
John takes litigation matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Michael Hands — business lawyer in Cincinnati
John Michael Hands is a partner based in Cincinnati, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Contracts. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ulmer & Berne LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Michael Hands is a lawyer practicing construction & development, business litigation, contracts & agreements and 12 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Miami University in 1983, and has been licensed for 38 years. John practices at Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cincinnati, OH.
How John handles business matters
John Michael Hands is a lawyer practicing construction & development, business litigation, contracts & agreements and 12 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Miami University in 1983, and has been licensed for 38 years. John practices at Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cincinnati, OH.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and contracts matters in Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Cincinnati College of Law
J.D. University · 1988
Miami University
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Kentucky U.S. Court
1995 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1988 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. University in University of Cincinnati College of Law and B.A. in Miami University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. University in University of Cincinnati College of Law and B.A. in Miami University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Locations
John Michael Hands's office in Cincinnati
John's primary office is at 600 Vine Street, Suite 2800, Cincinnati, OH, 45202-2409. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Michael Hands — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Cincinnati.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Michael Hands claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Michael Hands — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Michael Hands
How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Cincinnati?
John is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new business clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio
John handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Ohio
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Cincinnati handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





