Since 1895, Kocher & Barney has been a cornerstone of legal advocacy in the area. The oldest law firm in the Ottawa County, serving as a pillar of law practice in the region. Founded by George A. True, our firm has grown through generations of trusted attorneys and partners who have met the evolving needs of clients while remaining deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

Through every change in the law, in society, and in our region, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to clients. Our team of seasoned attorneys brings over 80 years of combined experience to every matter, ensuring a high level of expertise across a wide range of legal areas, from individuals and families to businesses and institutions throughout Ohio.

John Kocher joined what was then True & Meyer in 1975, bringing with him a standard of practice that would define the firm for decades. Through the years the firm became Meyer & Kocher, and eventually Kocher & Barney. Through every evolution, John remained its steady hand and moral compass. He was more than a founding presence; he was the living embodiment of what it means to serve clients, community, and the law with character.

His passing in 2026 leaves a profound absence. Yet his legacy endures in every value this firm holds, every relationship he helped build, and every life he touched through his decades of tireless service. All of us at Kocher & Barney carry forward the weight of his example, honoring the standard he set with the same strength, conviction, and purpose that defined his life’s work.

Legal Distinction & Recognition

• One of only three Ohio attorneys selected to serve on the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Character and Fitness Board
• Past President, Ottawa County Bar Association
• Martindale-Hubbell Top Lawyer listing, a mark of the highest peer recognition
• Trusted advisor to generations of clients across Ottawa County and beyond

Civic Life & Community

• Past Commodore, Port Clinton Yacht Club
• Member, Catawba Island Club Blue Gavel
• Member, Crew’s Nest and Nor’Easter Club
• Past member, Rattlesnake Island Club
• Past President, Kiwanis Club of Port Clinton
• Vice President, Port Clinton School Board
• Board Member, Firelands Bowling Green State University Foundation

“John’s commitment to his clients, his community, and the practice of law set a standard that continues to influence our work today. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the relationships he built, and the countless lives he impacted.”

– the Kocher & Barney team