
Justin Herdman
Partner, Jones Day; Former U.S. Attorney
2021, 2023, 2024, 2026
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 catalytic power of this Summit in bringing together those who are devoting their lives to pushing back and working to confront, understand and work towards solutions around hate in our society is a noble and difficult task. The Summit not only energized those who attended but led to connecting the dots in a global network of those doing this work. The stories of the victims of hate were painful to witness but their courage in coming forward was inspirational. Those who attended left energized with the hope that by working together solutions can be forged.

