How much does it cost to hire John for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in Ohio typically take?

Simple civil rights 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 Columbus?

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 civil rights clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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John Spenceley Marshall, Civil Rights Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMarshall Forman and Schlein LLC

Columbus, OH

Practicing civil rights in Columbus since 1983.

43+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Civil Rights Employment Employment Contracts General Sexual Harassment Wrongful Termination

Are you John Spenceley Marshall?

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.

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Quick answer

John Spenceley Marshall is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Columbus, OH
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Employment · Employment Contracts

Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts matters from Columbus, OH.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters John takes on

John concentrates on civil rights, employment, employment contracts, general, and sexual harassment. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Columbus, Ohio

John takes civil rights matters in Columbus, 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.

Employment cases in Columbus, Ohio

John takes employment matters in Columbus, 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.

Employment Contracts cases in Columbus, Ohio

John takes employment contracts matters in Columbus, 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 Columbus, Ohio

John takes general matters in Columbus, 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.

Sexual Harassment cases in Columbus, Ohio

John takes sexual harassment matters in Columbus, 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 Spenceley Marshall — civil rights lawyer in Columbus

With over 35 years of dedicated service, John Marshall is a tenacious advocate in the field of employment and civil rights litigation. His expansive practice covers a wide array of issues, including discrimination, retaliation, employment contracts, non-compete clauses, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, police misconduct, and First Amendment cases. Beyond litigation, John proficiently assists clients with reviewing and negotiating employment contracts and severance packages. A graduate of Denison University and The Ohio State University, John has consistently been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the legal field. He has been named among the Best Lawyers in America® every year from 1995 to 2025 and earned the title of Lawyer of the Year in Employment Law and Labor and Employment Litigation multiple times. Distinctions by Super Lawyers Magazine highlight his standing as a top attorney in Columbus and throughout Ohio. In 2011, his commitment to legal integrity was honored with the Columbus Bar Association's Professionalism Award. John is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, serving as a member of the Columbus and Ohio State Bar Associations, among others. His career is a testament to outstanding achievement, unwavering integrity, and a passionate commitment to justice.

John's approach to civil rights cases

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and employment contracts matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Ohio State University
J.D. · 1983
Denison University
B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

Ohio U.S. District C
1983 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Ohio State University and B.A. in Denison University.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Ohio State University and B.A. in Denison 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

Columbus and Ohio State Bar Associations National Lawyers Guild National Employment Lawyers Association
membership

Locations

John Spenceley Marshall's office in Columbus

John's primary office is at 250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 480, Columbus, OH, 43215. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC

250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 480

Columbus, OH 43215

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John Spenceley Marshall — 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 civil rights attorneys in Columbus.

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 Spenceley Marshall claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Spenceley Marshall — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Columbus, Ohio

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John Spenceley Marshall

How much does it cost to hire John for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Columbus?
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 civil rights clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Ohio residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like John Spenceley Marshall. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if my child was bullied at school for being disabled in Ohio?
My son attends a public school in Columbus, OH, and has been bullied relentlessly because of his disability. I've spoken to the school, but nothing changes. What legal options do I
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Ohio
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio

John handles civil rights matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

John Spenceley Marshall, Civil Rights Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

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