Joshua C. Berns

Joshua focuses his practice on resolving construction disputes and assisting clients in all phases of construction projects. His broad experience with the litigation process includes pleadings and motion practice, pretrial discovery, and trial preparation. He has experience helping clients throughout the industry achieve their goals by representing clients in wide range of construction-related disputes and facilitating complex construction projects. He also assists with catastrophic loss and has experience with commercial and insurance litigation. Education Kent State University (B. A./B. S, 2007)Capital University Law School (J. D., cum laude, 2013)Order of Curia Associate Note Editor, Law Review Bar Admissions State of Ohio U. S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio U. S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Professional Affiliations Ohio State Bar Association Columbus Bar Association Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys Awards & Honors Named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Construction Law; Litigation-Construction (2024; 2025) Named to the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars list (2022; 2023) Experience Experience with cases involving complex construction and design defects, including defending general contractors, sub-contractors, and design professionals. Experience with all facets of civil litigation, including disputes concerning commercial agreements, premise liability, and insurance coverage and defense matters. Prepares various pleadings, dispositive motions, and other documents filed in state and federal courts. Takes depositions in complex construction cases, and drafts and responds to discovery requests, including requests for admission, interrogatories, and requests for production of documents. Efficiently and effectively handles eDiscovery in construction and insurance cases, including review of construction blueprints, plans, and specifications. Experience drafting commercial leases, employment agreements, partnership and operating agreements, and other transactional documents. REPORTED CASES Welther v. Plageman, 2021-Ohio-713 (Ct. App) Acheff v. Meijer, Inc., 2019-Ohio-2314 (premise liability and false imprisonment) Davis v. Smith, 2017-Ohio-113 (premises liability) Hudson v. Flores, 2016-Ohio-253 (Ohio Ct. App.) (respondeat superior and vicarious liability) Pickens v. Kroger, Co., 2014 Ohio App. LEXIS 4695 (Ohio Ct. App., Franklin County Oct. 30, 2014) (premises liability) Recent News & Media View all August 15, 2024 UB Greensfelder Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 List August 17, 2023 Ulmer Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 Report January 6, 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers Recognizes 69 Ulmer Attorneys in 2023 Lists