Rachael A. O’Hearen

Rachael O’Hearen graduated magna cum laude from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2005. Prior to attending law school she worked as an advocate with the Women’s Crisis Center and spent three years working as a Case Manager for children in foster care. Rachael graduated cum laude from Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law in 2011. As a law student, she worked as an intern with the Boone County Public Defender’s Office as well as the Ohio Justice and Policy Center.

Prior to joining Ernst & Associates, Rachael ran a successful solo practice focusing on Criminal Defense and Family Law. She has been a board member of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers since 2016 and served as the association’s President for the 2022 term. In 2017, Rachael received the Public Advocate Award from the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy for her work as a Conflict Trial Attorney, and in 2020 was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine for her work as a family law practitioner.

• Northern Kentucky University B.A. Criminal Justice (Minor Psychology) 2005 Magna Cum Laude
• Salmon P. Chase College of Law Juris Doctor 2011 Cum Laude

• Commonwealth of Kentucky Bar Association
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
• State of Ohio Bar Association

• Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors, President (2022) and presenter at the annual DUI Seminar (2022-2025)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers