Karl H. Schneider’s extensive trial experience in white collar criminal defense, professional liability matters and complex business litigation is a valuable asset for Eastman & Smith clients.

Mr. Schneider has defended individuals, businesses and public officials in a myriad of criminal matters that include public corruption and matters involving tax, health care, securities and mortgage fraud.  In addition, he has defended individuals and businesses before licensing boards, regulators and in professional liability litigation.  He has:

• defended against federal and state prosecutions involving charges of bribery, public corruption, money laundering and fraud.
• defended business professionals and attorneys in professional malpractice cases and involving directors’ and officers’ liability claims.
• represented parties before federal and state courts, as well as before a host of government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Division of Securities, Ohio Real Estate Commission, Ohio Elections Commission, Ohio Ethics Commission, various Inspector Generals and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• represented parties before the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.

Also during his career, Mr. Schneider has served as receivers in both federal and state courts, a hearing officer in two separate Ohio Secretary of State ballot challenges as well as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General in a federal action regarding an elected state office and as a special hearing officer for the Ohio Department of Insurance.  He also has served as special prosecutor in Hamilton County, Ohio, including the felony prosecution of an attorney for witness bribery.

To assist clients in avoiding missteps, Mr. Schneider undertakes educational efforts by speaking to trade groups and authoring articles on issues related to corporate governance, fraud and litigation.

Before joining Eastman & Smith, Mr. Schneider worked for several Columbus area law firms. 

When not addressing legal issues, Mr. Schneider enjoys spending time with family, traveling and partaking in exercise either at the gym or on the golf course.  He calls Columbus home.

Experience

Mr. Schneider’s has a wide variety of criminal law experience including:

• Defended individuals in cases involving insurance fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud and tax fraud.
• Defended former public officials and companies in federal and state bribery cases.
• Represented a company officer in federal criminal investigation of chemical and goods imports.
• Represented a person in state court case involving 12 charges of title insurance misappropriation.
• Represented defendants in regulatory investigations before the Federal Trade Commission, Ohio Department of Insurance, State Highway Patrol Internal Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice and Ohio Ethics Commission
• Obtained misdemeanor outcome for appraiser in first degree felony case brought in state court.
• Defended attorneys in cases involving legal malpractice, RICO and theft.
• Obtained jury acquittal in state death penalty case.

Community/Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association, White Collar Crime Institute
• Columbus Bar Association
  • Judicial Screening Committee
  • Professional Ethics and Grievance Committee
• Federal Bar Association
• Franklin County Republican Executive Committee, member
• Ohio Board of Building Appeals
  • Member, 2013 – 2024
  • Chair, 2015 – Present
• Commissioner, Ohio Court of Claims, Victims Reparations Section, 1987 - 2004
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Sixth Circuit Federal Conference, life member

Honors & Awards

• Listed in Best Lawyers in America®, 2022 – Present.
• AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
• Super Lawyers
  • Listed, 2010 – Present
  • Top 100 attorneys in Ohio, 2012 – 2022
  • Top 50 practitioners in Columbus, 2012 - Present
• Top Lawyers by Columbus CEO, 2018, 2020 and 2022

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