
Jason Helmstetler
Location: Columbus, Ohio 43220
Experienced and Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney Attorney Michael J. Lerner brings more than 20 years of legal experience and the perspective of having represented more than 7,000 clients across Ohio. A Cum Laude graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Political Science, Michael earned his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2003. Since then, he has built a career defined by clear communication, strategic legal thinking, and confident courtroom advocacy.
Approach and Client Focus
When clients are facing criminal charges, they need more than legal knowledge. They need an attorney who can explain the process clearly, protect their rights, and build a strategy focused on the best possible outcome. Michael brings seasoned judgment to each case, helping clients understand what they are facing, what options are available, and what steps can be taken to protect their freedom, record, reputation, and future.
Michael is known for his practical guidance, steady communication, and ability to make difficult legal issues easier to understand. His experience in Ohio courts gives him the confidence to advocate effectively while keeping clients informed and prepared at every stage of the process. He is licensed to practice in all Ohio state courts, including Municipal, County, and Common Pleas Courts, as well as the Federal Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Clients choose Michael because he combines decades of legal experience with a calm, strategic approach to high-stakes situations. Whether negotiating a resolution or preparing for court, he focuses on protecting his clients’ rights, reducing uncertainty, and pursuing the strongest possible result.