Joe is a dominant trial attorney in the Midwest, known for taking on high-stakes medical malpractice cases—and winning results others won’t pursue. Over decades of practice, he has secured record-setting verdicts, including $8.3 million in Hamilton County, $6.5 million in Butler County, and $5.4 million in federal court in Kentucky. In multiple cases, other firms declined representation—Joe stepped in and delivered.He builds every case for trial, applying pressure that drives substantial settlements and verdicts for families facing life-altering injury and loss. His reputation for results has also led to appointments as Special Counsel to the Ohio Attorney General, where he is brought in to lead complex litigation on behalf of the State. In that role, he has recovered millions in just a handful of cases.Joe’s performance has earned consistent top-tier recognition, including repeat honors in Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice, Ohio Super Lawyers Top 50 Cincinnati/Top 100 Ohio, and “Leading Lawyer” by Cincy Magazine. He is also a recipient of the Ritter Award from the Ohio State Bar Association—an honor given annually to a single attorney for exceptional professionalism, ethics, and impact on the legal profession.Joe’s approach is simple: take on the toughest cases, outwork the opposition, and deliver results when it matters most.
About Joseph William Shea III
Awards
Reviews for Joseph
Services
Areas of Law
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Personal Injury 8
- Automobile Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- Nursing Home Litigation
- Slip and Fall
- Dog Bites
- Head and Spinal Injuries
- Wrongful Death
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Medical Malpractice
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Construction Law 1
- Construction Accidents
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Premises Liability
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Assault
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Domestic Violence
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Criminal Law 7
- Drug Crimes
- Expungements
- Federal Criminal Law
- Homicide
- Juvenile Law
- DUI/DWI
- Sex Crimes
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White Collar Crime
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Other 10
- Criminal Defense
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Amputation Accidents
- Back Injuries
- Burglary
- Criminal Appeals
- Embezzlement
- Gun Charges
- OVI
Practice Details
Experience
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Bar Admission & MembershipsAdmissions1974, Ohio
1999, Kentucky
1975, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
2000, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
1979, U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
2023, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
1984, U.S. Supreme Court
MembershipsOhio Academy of Trial Lawyers (President, 1981-1982)
American Board of Trial Advocates (Advocate, 1989—, National Board of Directors, 1989—)
National Board of Trial Advocacy (State Representative, 1990—
National Bar Examiner, 1984-1987, 1989, 1991, 1994 and 2001)
International Society of Barristers. American College of Trial Lawyers. American Inns of Court (Emeritus Master, 1985—). -
Education & CertificationsLaw SchoolNorthern Kentucky University
Class of 1974
J.D.
Other EducationUniversity of Cincinnati
Class of 1969
B.A.
Legal CertificationsCertified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
Contact Joseph William Shea III
12 East Warren StreetLebanon, OH 45036U.S.A.
Show on map3734 Eastern AvenueCincinnati, OH 45226U.S.A.
Show on map9078 Union Centre Blvd., Suite 350West Chester, OH 45069U.S.A.
Show on map121 West High StreetOxford, OH 45056U.S.A.
Show on map401 Scott StreetCovington, KY 41011U.S.A.
Show on mapOther Office Locations
Cincinnati, OH
3734 Eastern AvenueCincinnati, OH 45226U.S.A.
Show on mapWest Chester, OH
9078 Union Centre Blvd., Suite 350West Chester, OH 45069U.S.A.
Show on mapOxford, OH
121 West High StreetOxford, OH 45056U.S.A.
Show on mapCovington, KY
401 Scott StreetCovington, KY 41011U.S.A.
Show on mapEmail Joseph William Shea III
Attorneys FAQs
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Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?Yes, Joseph William Shea, III is admitted to practice in Kentucky and Ohio.
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Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?Joseph William Shea, III is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and United States Supreme Court.
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Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?Yes, Joseph William Shea, III has a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
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Does this attorney offer any legal services for a flat fee?Yes, Joseph William Shea, III offers fixed fees for certain legal services.
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Does this attorney accept major credit cards?Yes, Joseph William Shea, III will accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.