Justin Herdman, a former United States Attorney, is a trial lawyer who represents businesses and individuals involved in high-stakes government investigations, criminal litigation, and civil actions. Justin’s practice is focused on obtaining favorable results in matters arising from alleged violations of state and federal laws, including fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the False Claims Act (FCA), and the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FDCA). He has successfully tried numerous cases in state and federal courts throughout his two decades in public service and private practice.
Since rejoining Jones Day in 2021, Justin has provided advice and counsel to a variety of clients in diverse industries such as health care, manufacturing, finance, professional services, and higher education. Justin is frequently retained by clients in high-profile matters requiring a careful balance of legal strategy and conflict resolution. As an example, in 2025, Justin’s representation of the City of Cleveland against the Cleveland Browns football team contesting the team’s stadium move led to a historic $100 million settlement paid to the city for lakefront development.
Justin also maintains an active pro bono practice. In 2022, his trial work with the Ohio Innocence Project led to the acquittal of a wrongfully convicted man who had spent 15 years in state prison.
Justin previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting national security offenses, including terrorism, money laundering, and export control violations. He is a former assistant district attorney in New York City and is a retired judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
The effort to eradicate hate requires the active participation of every component of our society, to include governments, the private sector, communities of faith and indeed every aspect of civil society. There is no more urgent task in front of us. The organizers of the Eradicate Hate Global Summit are doing the United States and the world an enormous service by tackling hatred and extremism with a focus on honest dialogue and conversation, genuine learning and practical solutions. This will not happen overnight, but the Pittsburgh community’s leadership in this effort is genuinely inspiring and motivating.
