School of Law: Cheryll Bennett

Cheryll A. Bennett is a seasoned attorney, educator, and advocate with over three decades of experience in criminal defense, civil litigation, and legal instruction. As the founder of Cheryll A. Bennett Attorney at Law LLC, she brings a powerful blend of courtroom tenacity and compassionate counsel to clients navigating complex legal challenges in both State and Federal courts.

Before launching her own firm, Ms. Bennett served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for over 25 years, representing clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, civil forfeiture proceedings, habeas corpus petitions, and appellate matters before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Her commitment to justice extended beyond the courtroom through her leadership in the U.S. District Court’s Reentry Court and her mentorship of law students and interns.

Prior to her current role, Ms. Bennett served as an Adjunct Professor; teaching the Criminal Law Clinic, where she mentored and supervised third-year law students engaged in real-world practice in federal and municipal courts.

A respected leader in the Dayton legal community, Ms. Bennett has held key roles with the Dayton Bar Association. She is a past Chair of the Criminal Law Committee, a former Board of Trustees member. Ms. Bennett has also served on the Dayton Bar Foundation Board of Trustees, and she currently serves on the MonDay Facility Governing Board. Ms. Bennett has been recognized as Dayton Bar Association Foundation Fellow and was a 2023 Cinque Honoree.

Ms. Bennett earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Rochester. She is known for her integrity, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to justice — values that continue to define her practice and inspire her clients.

B.A., University of Rochester, Spanish
J.D., University of Dayton School of Law