John Alan Ams

PRO

John Alan Ams

4.5
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 23 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Youngstown, OH
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Probate

134 Westchester Drive, Youngstown, OH

About John

Biography

Relentless representation. Every case. Every time. Attorney John Ams is ready to help you.

Relentless representation. Every case. Every time. Attorney John Ams is ready to help you.

Relentless representation. Every case. Every time. Attorney John Ams is ready to help you.

Relentless representation. Every case. Every time. Attorney John Ams is ready to help you.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Child Custody 30%

30%
Criminal Defense 30%

30%
Divorce and Separation 20%

20%
Probate 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 175-225 per hour

Contingency

33%-33%

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 23 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John Alan Ams

134 Westchester Drive, Youngstown, OH, 44515

attorneyjohnams.com

John Alan Ams's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (17) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Megan | July 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Home Run!

Attorney John Ams is for anyone seeking legal counsel from a lawyer who is known for his honorable reputation by judges, other attorneys and clients in our area. From the very beginning, he demonstrated remarkable patience and attentiveness to my custody case, taking the time to thoroughly understan...d my situation and answer all my questions when I needed. What truly stood out was his efficient use of time and resources—he was committed to achieving the best outcome without wasting my money or anyone's time. His professionalism and genuine care made the entire process much less stressful - I felt like I could finally exhale. All calls and emails were returned quickly. If you're looking for a lawyer who is dedicated, attentive, and respectful of your time and resources, John Ams is a knight in shining armor.

Posted by Marguarite | July 25, 2022

An attorney that cares!

I was super impressed when my phone rang after leaving a message knowing it was 6:20 Ohio time and it wasn’t a messenger but Attorney John Ams himself. Although he couldn’t take my case, he wanted to make sure I understood why and exactly what I needed to know and to expect that will be taking place.... I have called all around and this was the first attorney that went out of his way for me to give me information and I couldn’t have been more impressed. He is a doer, that is certainly easy to tell. In the future, if I had a case that he could help me with, I wouldn’t think twice. He gave me clarity and direction and I feel extremely grateful to have been able to consult with him.

Posted by Christopher Smith | July 26, 2017 | Probate

Extreme Professional

I had contacted John Ams based on recommendations from several people (including a Magistrate and another attorney). I was in from out of state to probate my Mother's will and needed legal assistance quickly. I contacted John who promptly returned my call and gave me excellent guidance and advice on ...handling the matter - he could have easily said he would take care of all the matters for a "fee", but instead he professionally gave me guidance on how to handle the matter without incurring fees. He was very accurate and thorough with his direction and did me and my family a huge service without thinking about personal gain from it. I HIGHLY recommend this professional attorney and would use him again in a heartbeat. Thank you John for your exemplary professionalism.

Posted by Matthew | September 09, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Mixed Breed Attorney

I have a very low opinion of the American Judicial System, law enforcement and judges. It seems that they become consumed with their egos and power, rather than justice. I came to Attorney Ams after my divorce attorney asked the judge to be dismissed from my case with approximately a month before... the trial. Very little if any preparation was done. I was in a horrible bind and Attorney Ams was gracious enough to take on my case. As I said, my previous experience with lawyers and attorney's have been where little work was actually done and "The game" was played. After working with Attorney Ams, I have formed the following opinion of him. That he is a Mixed Breed Attorney: Part Bulldog Part Pit Bull Honest Hard Working Extremely knowledgeable I was actually beginning to believe that Attorney Ams didn't sleep. He would respond to my e-mails any hours of the day, he would call me on the weekends working on my case. In my 26 years of working, I have never seen anyone in any profession with such work ethic and truly earning his money. He is not only an outstanding attorney, but after working with him, I actually consider him a friend. I would highly recommend Attorney Ams. Speak to him honestly, respectfully and give him all the information and he will move the world for you.

Posted by Carla | August 08, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Exceptional

Attorney John Ams is extremely knowledgeable. He is kind and fights for his clients. While keeping me well informed, it was my decision to take this case to trial, which he won effortlessly. Attorney Ams not only was more than prepared for this case. I would strongly recommend him for any legal m...atter. His clients are his priority.

See All Client Reviews

John Alan Ams's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Ross Teele Smith headshot
Ross Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John Ams is an experienced and highly respected attorney. He cares about his clients as much as for the outcome of their individual cases. He always represents his clients with the utmost skill, knowledge, and understanding. I can readily endorse him without hesitation or reservation."

Jerome Thomas Linnen Jr. headshot
Jerome Linnen

Unknown lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"John Ams worked in my office both while he was studying law and after becoming an attorney. He is someone that brings great competency, professionalism and enthusiasm to the legal profession. John is someone that I have trusted with my own legal matters and I would look to him in the future if the need arises."

Michael John Maillis headshot
Michael Maillis

Unknown lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ronald David Yarwood headshot
Ronald Yarwood

Litigation lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Ams is a bright lawyer who advances his client's position in a professional manner. With John matters can be resolved with a hand shake. One of my more enjoyable trial memories was with him as opposing counsel."

Edward Joseph Hartwig headshot
Edward Hartwig

Juvenile law lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Ams is highly qualified and always prepared to take a case to trial if necessary. I have observed his work ethic and motivation to achieve successful results for his clients. I endorse his services."

James Andrew Melone headshot
James Melone

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul Christopher Conn headshot
Paul Conn

General practice lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thaddeus Wexler headshot
Thaddeus Wexler

General practice lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Jerome Thomas Linnen Jr. headshot
Jerome Linnen

Personal injury lawyer

Ross Teele Smith headshot
Ross Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul Christopher Conn headshot
Paul Conn

Juvenile law lawyer

Ronald David Yarwood headshot
Ronald Yarwood

Litigation lawyer

Edward Joseph Hartwig headshot
Edward Hartwig

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2008

Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2001

CALI Trial Advocacy Award, University of Akron School of Law

1989

Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Mediator, Mahoning County Court Of Common Pleas

2008 - Present

Attorney, John A. Ams, Attorney At Law

2003 - 2008

Attorney, Pfau, Pfau & Marando

Associations

2003 - Present

Mahoning County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Jaabone Kennedy

Not Guilty verdict from a jury

State v. Danielle Burke

Directed verdict for the Defendant

State v. Bryandon Rutland

Not Guilty verdict from a jury

AR Systems v. Roscoe Poultry

Verdict for Plaintiff

Fox v. Labate

Verdict for Plaintiff

State v. Wilson

Not Guilty Verdict

State v. Barnette

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

State v. Brown

Not Guilty Verdict

Taylor v. McMurray

Not Guilty Verdict

State v. Hyde

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

University of Akron

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

University of Akron

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Cuyahoga Falls Memorial Day Parade and Observance

Community Involvement

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution