Issa Elkhatib

Issa M. Elkhatib is the founder and lead trial attorney of The Elkhatib Law Office in Cleveland, Ohio, where he represents clients in high-stakes criminal and civil matters. His practice includes violent offenses, murder and homicide, white-collar fraud, sex crimes, weapon charges, OVI/DUI, drug trafficking, civil protection orders, personal injury, property damage, and business law. He approaches serious cases with trial-focused preparation, detailed investigation, and direct advocacy to protect clients facing life-changing legal problems and significant court consequences.

Elkhatib earned a B.B.A. in Management from Tiffin University in 2012 and a J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2017. His legal education developed his research, writing, analysis, and courtroom preparation skills while preparing him for criminal and civil litigation. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2018, providing the professional foundation for a practice centered on demanding cases, careful factual review, persuasive legal argument, and strategic decision-making for clients facing serious criminal charges or complex civil disputes.

Elkhatib has built his practice around thorough investigation and determined trial advocacy. In one murder case, he located digital alibi evidence that helped secure dismissal of the charges against his client. He also obtained a reversal and remand in the published Eighth District Court of Appeals decision S.L. v. M.E.H., 2024-Ohio-5482. His work has been featured by Reuters. These matters reflect his focus on testing evidence, correcting procedural errors, developing strong arguments, and pursuing favorable outcomes when the stakes are especially high.

Issa M. Elkhatib was named a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 honoree in 2021 and received the Avvo Client’s Choice Award that year. His professional record also includes recognition as a Thumbtack Top Pro and published articles on criminal defense, domestic violence, sex crimes, and OVI/DUI topics. He is a member of the Ohio Association for Justice and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Through criminal defense and civil litigation, he helps clients understand their options, prepare for proceedings, and pursue informed legal solutions with focused, practical legal guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder and Lead Trial Attorney, The Elkhatib Law Office
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association
• Member, Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ) (2020-Present)
• Member, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (OACDL) (2019-Present)

Licensed State

• Ohio

Education

• Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Tiffin University
  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management

Awards & Badges