Office: Franklin County – Franklin County Court of Common Pleas,
Domestic Relations Division and Juvenile Branch
Age: 55
Residence: Columbus, OH
Email: reelectjudgegill@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/reelectjudgegill/
Occupation: Judge, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic
Relations Division and Juvenile Branch
Education: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Juris
Doctorate (1987); University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Arts with
honors in Political Science (1984)
Work Experience: 2007-Present Judge, Franklin County Court of
Common Pleas, Domestic and Juvenile Divisions; prior to taking the
bench my practice was limited to family law matters primarily
representing parents and acting as a Guardian ad Litem for children.
Affiliations: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; Juv. Law Advisory Committee 2017-2018; Advisory Committee on Children & Families, Supreme Court of Ohio; current Chair of Juvenile Justice Subcommittee, Founding Board Member of Franklin County Youth Council; Volunteer for Columbus Public Schools working with truant children at West High School; Commission on the Rules of Practice & Procedures, Supreme Court of Ohio (2008-2013), Ohio State and Columbus Bar Associations, Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges, Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges, Moot Court volunteer judge, Mentor, Ohio Supreme Court Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, Alvis House, two-term past Board member
Endorsements: Franklin County Democratic Party, Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio
Bar Association Ratings: http://www.cbalaw.org/cba_prod/Main/Resources/Public/Judi
cial-Elections.aspx
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have served on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas,
Domestic Relations Division and Juvenile Branch since January 1,
2007. I have served as Lead Juvenile Judge since January 2012.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a
judge?
I was a family law attorney for 18 years before I became a Judge. I
became involved in judicial politics prior to my election because I saw
first hand the impact a judge and judicial officer can have on case, and
how important it is for that judge to have practiced in the area over
which he/she presides. This is especially true in family law. Without that
experience, it is difficult for the decision maker to truly understand the
emotional and financial impact that day to day judicial case
management, delays and decisions have on families and children. My 18
years of representation of individuals from all walks of life and
economic backgrounds and acting as a Guardian ad Litem for children
gives me keen insight into each case that comes before me.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am asking for the opportunity to continue serving as one of Franklin
County’s Domestic and Juvenile Court judges because I am passionate
about helping families and children who ×nd themselves involved in the
domestic or juvenile justice systems. The Domestic Division of this
Court handles divorce, dissolution, post decree contested custody and
support matters and domestic violence cases. The Juvenile Branch
handles juvenile delinquency, abuse, neglect and dependency cases,
never-married parents’ custody/child support disputes and juvenile
domestic violence cases, truancy and unruly matters. I have spent my
11 years on the bench applying my 18 years of prior experience as a
family law attorney and continuing to learn and assess best practices
from across the state and the country to apply best practices in the
resolution of cases for better family outcomes. I have worked for better
case management in domestic cases to assure timely and fair resolution
to reduce the financial and psychological costs of extended contested
litigation.
As Lead Juvenile Judge I have strived to forge and encourage ongoing collaboration with all of Franklin County’s juvenile justice service providers and stakeholders so as to instill evidence based practices and data driven decisions here at Court and through our providers. My work has included the establishment of early intervention diversion programs such as community restorative justice circles for first time low level offenders and truancy intervention specialists in our schools. I have led the establishment of a special empowerment docket for youth who have been involved in human trafficking. In addition, much work has been accomplished in expanding community services for justice involved youth including employment opportunities and faith based collaborations. Collaborate trainings and consortiums are working to improve the timely and effective resolution of families involved with Franklin County Children’s Services. All of this work has a goal of providing for healthier families and safer communities. While much has been accomplished over the last 11 years, there remains much to do. It is a privilege and a responsibility to hold this office. I believe I am qualified to continue this work and am willing and able to put in the effort and leadership necessary for continued improvements throughout our entire local juvenile justice system.