Jeffrey W. DeBeer

As a trial lawyer, Jeff has a litigation practice focusing on defending domestic and international Fortune 500 companies, consumer product manufacturers, healthcare organizations, and professional sports franchises, most often in class actions, complex payor–provider healthcare arbitrations, contract disputes, and product liability litigation. 

Jeff is a problem solver who puts his client’s goals first. He works to avoid or minimize legal disputes whenever possible. If litigation is necessary, Jeff is a zealous advocate for and strategically defends his client’s interests. He has obtained dismissal of numerous class action lawsuits alleging false or misleading advertising of consumer products, including cases premised on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), and other ingredients or alleged contaminants. Additionally, Jeff has defeated motions for class certification, and has obtained summary judgment of putative class actions after managing document and deposition discovery. 

Jeff has also successfully represented both insurers and hospitals in complex healthcare reimbursement disputes, often involving government-funded benefit programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. He has obtained dismissal or summary judgment in multiple payor–provider lawsuits in court and arbitration proceedings throughout the country. Jeff frequently consults clients on creative strategies for resolving reimbursement disputes while advancing strategic business objectives.
 
An active member of the community, Jeff has served on the Executive Board of the Potter Stewart Inn of Court, as a Cincinnati Bar Association firm ambassador, and as a University of Cincinnati Law Review mentor. He has also coached mock trial at the University of Cincinnati College of Law at a local high school, and as part of the Federal Bar Association’s annual summer associate competition. Jeff has also proudly represented multiple pro bono clients, assisting individuals and non-profit organizations in matters related to housing, contract disputes, and appeals of criminal convictions.

• Successfully drafted motions to dismiss numerous class action lawsuits alleging false advertising based on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
• Represented a consumer products manufacturer in putative class actions challenging the presence of titanium dioxide and other substances.
• Defended a healthcare client in a False Claims Act investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, resulting in the government not intervening and the relator dismissing all claims relating to allegations of Medicaid fraud. 
• Obtained a decision, and affirmation on appeal, dismissing a complaint against a Medicaid managed care organization for a hospital’s failure to exhaust pre-dispute administrative remedies.
• Successfully obtained dismissal of and defended against numerous complex payor-provider healthcare disputes brought against a variety of defendants, including insurers, Medicaid managed care organizations, ERISA plans, third-party administrators, and Medicare advantage organizations.
• Defended consumer reporting agencies in individual and class action lawsuits involving alleged violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
• Acted as appellate counsel in a high-profile white collar case, resulting in a reversal of convictions on 10 counts, and a successful defense of the government’s requests for reconsideration and the Ohio Supreme Court’s review.
• Assisted a professional sports franchise in defending a class action brought by former players, as well as system arbitrations and non-injury grievances alleging club collusion.
• Represented a marine company in a dispute over the sinking of a well-known floating steakhouse that became unmoored and adrift on the Ohio River.

• 2021–2024, Ones to Watch, listed in Best Lawyers in America©
• 2020–2024, Ohio “Rising Star,” listed in Super Lawyers

Memberships

• Federal Bar Association

Jeff has served on the Potter Stewart Inn of Court as a member of the Executive Board and the Barrister’s Advisory Board. During law school, Jeff was the Editor in Chief of the University of Cincinnati Law Review, was a member of the Trial Practice National Competition Team, and received the Dlott Award and Helmer Law Review Prize. He has also served as a Guest Lecturer for the Trial Practice Class at his alma mater.

Admissions

• Kentucky
• Ohio
• U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Kentucky
• U.S. District Court - Southern District of Ohio
• U.S. District Court - Western District of Kentucky

Education

• University of Cincinnati College of Law, JD, magna cum laude
• University of Kentucky, BA, cum laude