Maxwell Russell Hiltner

Maxwell Russell Hiltner is a criminal defense lawyer in Akron, Ohio, where he focuses on high-stakes criminal defense. He represents clients accused of murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, drug crimes, weapons violations, white-collar offenses, domestic violence, and operating a vehicle under the influence. His practice also includes theft, assault, gambling offenses, Title IX matters, and other serious state or federal cases. He prepares each defense through detailed evidence review, focused investigation, and trial-ready strategy. He also gives clients direct access to him and his staff throughout their cases.

Maxwell earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Ashland University. He received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Akron School of Law in 2013. He also completed the school’s Litigation Certificate in Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution. He advanced to the national round of the National Trial Competition while attending law school in 2013. He was admitted to practice in Ohio that same year.

Maxwell began his legal career defending insurance companies against claims brought by individuals. He soon left that work to develop a trial practice centered on protecting people facing criminal accusations. His courtroom work includes jury trials involving serious felonies and cases carrying lengthy prison exposure. He challenges witness testimony, forensic evidence, police procedures, and prosecution theories when building a defense. His preparation helps clients understand their options while presenting their circumstances clearly to judges and juries.

Maxwell Russell Hiltner serves as a faculty member at Trial Lawyers College and regularly speaks at continuing legal education programs. He has also taught Trial Advocacy at the University of Akron School of Law. He was selected for the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2022 and 2023. He was later selected for the Super Lawyers list in 2025 and 2026. His teaching, trial experience, and client accessibility support determined advocacy for people facing life-changing criminal allegations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Hiltner Trial Lawyers
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association
• Faculty Member, Trial Lawyers College

Licensed State

• Ohio

Education

• The University of Akron School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Ashland University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges