Donald J. "Don" Rafferty, Bankruptcy Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Family Law
Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC
Cincinnati, OH
Practicing bankruptcy in Cincinnati since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Donald J. "Don" Rafferty is an attorney based in Cincinnati, OHIO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Family Law. Donald has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC.
- Based in
- Cincinnati, OHIO
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Family Law
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Family Law matters from Cincinnati, OHIO.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026).
About Donald J. "Don" Rafferty: Donald J. "Don" Rafferty is an attorney based in Cincinnati, OHIO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Family Law. Donald has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Donald takes on
Donald concentrates on bankruptcy, business, family law, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
Donald takes bankruptcy matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
Donald takes business matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
Donald takes family law matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
Donald takes litigation matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Donald J. "Don" Rafferty — bankruptcy lawyer in Cincinnati
Donald J. "Don" Rafferty is an attorney based in Cincinnati, OHIO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Family Law. Donald has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC.
Don Rafferty combines his experience in the areas of business restructuring, commercial finance, corporate law, and litigation to provide legal and strategic advice to the firm’s business clients on a wide range of issues. Don frequently counsels clients who either are experiencing financial stress or are dealing with distressed companies. He has advised on sales, acquisitions, and restructurings for numerous middle-market companies. Don has significant experience in transactions, dispute resolution, and restructuring matters involving troubled real estate developments, shopping centers, commercial office projects, apartment and condominium developments, operating businesses, and manufacturing concerns. He has represented all constituencies – debtors, lenders, creditors, creditors’ committees, and others – in Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court restructurings, UCC Article 9 sales, and other similar mechanisms. Drawing on his unique and varied experience, Don is able to develop efficient and appropriate strategies for healthy and troubled companies as they confront the myriad challenges of running their businesses in today’s challenging business environment.
Don also has acted as lead trial counsel in a broad spectrum of business disputes in federal and state trial and appellate courts. His litigation experience includes the prosecution and defense of numerous fraud or fraudulent transfer cases, bankruptcy preference actions, complex contract cases, class actions, complex commercial foreclosures, including disputes involving special servicers and non-recourse CMBS loans, and intellectual property matters, including prosecution of patent and copyright infringement lawsuits.
He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers since
How Donald handles bankruptcy matters
Don Rafferty combines his experience in the areas of business restructuring, commercial finance, corporate law, and litigation to provide legal and strategic advice to the firm’s business clients on a wide range of issues. Don frequently counsels clients who either are experiencing financial stress or are dealing with distressed companies. He has advised on sales, acquisitions, and restructurings…
Who Donald represents
Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and family law matters in Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Cincinnati
— · 1989
University of Cincinnati
J.D. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Donald's state bar admissions
Ohio
1989 · ACTIVE
Donald studied at — in University of Cincinnati and J.D. in University of Cincinnati.
Law school and academic background
Donald completed — in University of Cincinnati and J.D. in University of Cincinnati. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Donald has received 16 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chapter 12
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Creditors' Rights
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Debtors' Rights
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Workouts and Restructurings
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (2026).
Locations
Donald J. "Don" Rafferty's office in Cincinnati
Donald's primary office is at 250 East Fifth Street, Suite 2350, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202-5136. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford LLC
250 East Fifth Street, Suite 2350
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-5136
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Donald J. "Don" Rafferty — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald
Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Donald J. "Don" Rafferty
How much does it cost to hire Donald for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Cincinnati?
Donald is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio
Donald handles bankruptcy matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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