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Aaron M. Bernay
Partner
Cincinnati, OH
Partner
Cincinnati, OH
Aaron represents clients in a wide range of areas with a primary focus on complex business litigation. He serves as vice chair of the firm’s International Services Practice Group, and heads our Middle East & North Africa (MENA) desk. Aaron also chairs the firm’s International Dispute Resolution working group that advises clients on international arbitration and cross-border litigation matters. Aaron previously served as the United States representative to the Young Lawyers Committee of the International Bar Association and speaks frequently on topics ranging from corporate compliance to terrorism.
Prior to entering law school, Aaron worked for the international trade practice of a Washington, D.C. law firm and analyzed money laundering and financial crimes cases for a large plaintiffs’ firm. During law school, Aaron served as a Notes and Comments Editor of the University of Cincinnati Law Review and was a three-year fellow at UC’s Corporate Law Center.
Aaron is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, teaching International Business Transactions.
Won dismissal of federal False Claims Act and wage and hour law claims brought against German automotive paint shop manufacturer. Lesnik, et al. v. ISM Vuzem, d.o.o., et al., 374 F.Supp.3d 923 (N.D. Cal. 2019).
Won dismissal of breach of contract claim brought by U.S. sales representative against German Tier 1 automotive supplier. Glob. Prod., Inc. v. Mayser Polymer USA, Inc., No. 339451, 2019 WL 637284 (Mich. Ct. App. Feb. 14, 2019), appeal denied, 505 Mich. 994, 939 N.W.2d 252 (2020).
Prevailed in arbitration on behalf of U.S. robotic tooling manufacturer against Chinese distributor.
Obtained defense verdict for car stereo manufacturer in commercial dispute involving the sale of goods from China to Brazil.
Obtained injunctive relief on behalf of international confectioner against entity unlawfully distributing its candy throughout the United States. Perfetti van Melle USA Inc., et al. vs. Midwest Processing, LLC, et al., 135 F.Supp.3d 1015 (D.S.D. 2015).
Won dismissal of lawsuit brought against major Middle Eastern airline by passenger under the Montreal Convention.
Obtained jury verdict in favor of soap manufacturer accused of trade secret misappropriation and tortious interference with a contract by competitor (as second chair).
Obtained defense verdict for auto services client in consumer protection action.
Obtained verdict for plaintiff in lawsuit alleging fraud against former investment advisor.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of charter school in defamation lawsuit brought by former teacher.
Routinely manages complex litigation involving international discovery matters, including the taking of evidence and testimony abroad in Canada, China, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Regularly advises clients on an array of issues connected to doing business in foreign jurisdictions, including:
Obtained permission from U.S. Department of the Treasury for American nonprofit to operate in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Represented Chinese manufacturer in licensing dispute with major American lifestyle brand.
Negotiated Saudi Arabian distributorship agreement on behalf of American manufacturer.
Oversees international compliance for American corporation with over a dozen subsidiaries in Europe and Latin America.
University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D., 2010
Harvard University, A.M., 2005, Middle Eastern Studies
George Washington University, B.A., 2001, International Affairs
Phi Beta Kappa
Northern District of Ohio
Southern District of Ohio
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship in Arabic Language, Harvard University
Harvard University Certificate for Distinction in Teaching
International Bar Association – United States Representative, Young Lawyers Committee
Cincinnati Bar Association – Chair, International Law Practice Group
Ohio State Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
George Washington University Alumni Network for Cincinnati and the Bluegrass Region, Chair
OMID USA, Inc., Board of Directors
SAFE Cincinnati, Advisory Board
Valley Temple, Board of Trustees
Ethical Considerations in Multijurisdictional Practice, November 2021, FBT Client Seminar and Cincinnati Bar Association International Law Practice Group
Obtaining Evidence Abroad, April 2021, Cincinnati Bar Association, Domestic Relations Institute
The Rise of International Arbitration, August 2020, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Advantages of International Arbitration (with Prof. Jacob Cogan), May 2020, Frost Brown Todd After-COVID Webinar Series
Company Retention Policies & Advising Clients on Document Preservation, June 2015, Cincinnati Bar Association
How Long Now? On ISIS and Potential Endgames to the Syria Crisis, February 2015, American Jewish Committee and Jewish Community Relations Council; September 2014, Harvard Club of Cincinnati
Corporations as Aiders and Abettors of Terrorism? Overseas Compliance and Customer Due Diligence Considerations, December 2014, FBT Annual CLE
On Simulcasting and the Future of Video Game Streaming, October 2011, International Bar Association Annual Conference
Using the Law to Your Advantage: 5 Things Every Reseller Should Know, August 2011, VARTECH
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June 22, 2022 | Publications
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May 28, 2020 | Coronavirus Response Team
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April 20, 2020 | Coronavirus Response Team
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April 4, 2018 | Press Releases
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February 17, 2016 | Publications
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