Office: Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Judicial District
Age: 51
Residence: Akron, OH
Email: judgejenniferhensal@gmail.com
Website: www.judgehensal.com, Judge Jennifer Hensal on Facebook, Judge_Hensal on Twitter
Occupation: Appellate Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Judicial District
Education: J.D. University of Toledo; B.A. University of Akron
Work Experience: Appellate Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Judicial District; Visiting Judge, Ohio Supreme Court; Prosecutor, City of Wadsworth and City of Medina; Assistant Director of Law, City of Wadsworth, Village of Seville and Village of Lodi; Private practice of law, counseled corporate, public, and individual clients in state and federal litigation both in and out of the State of Ohio; Court appointed guardian.
Family: Married to Attorney Theodore J. Lesiak; Two adult step children-Sarah Lesiak, Middle School Teacher; Theodore W. Lesiak, 2nd Lieutenant United States Army
Affiliations: Ohio State Bar Foundation Life Fellow; Akron Bar Foundation Fellow; Medina County Bar Association, Past President; Akron Bar Association; Lorain County Bar Association; Wayne County Bar Association; Countinuing Legal Education Lecturer; Judge, Ohio State Mock Trial Competition; Chair of the Board of Directors, Csardas Dance Company; Member, Buchtel Cluster PTA; Executive Committee Member, Brunswick Rotary; Soccer Coach, Buckeye Soccer Association; First Christian Church of Wadsworth
Endorsements: N/A
Bar Association Ratings: Rated “Excellent” by the Akron Bar Association (youbethejudgesummitcounty.com)
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Appellate Judge – Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Judicial District – 5 years Visiting Judge – Ohio Supreme Court
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have gained valuable experience practicing in various courts, including the Court of Appeals. I have a wide ranging legal background. My experiences prior to becoming a judge include prosecuting criminal matters; acting as an advocate for children, the disabled and the elderly; participating in the creation of law as a municipal lawyer; guiding clients through difficult family matters in the domestic, juvenile and probate courts; to a wide range of business, corporate and real estate matters. I believe that a Judge must not be a specialist, but have a background of knowledge in all areas that may come before the Court. I have taken my skills as a practicing lawyer to the bench to insure the swift and proper administration of justice.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
As a Judge, I believe it is a Judge’s responsibility to see that the Ohio and Federal Constitution and the laws of Ohio and its political subdivisions are enforced. I have also promoted the use of alternatives to litigation to promote settlements such as mediation. In difficult economic times all branches of government face budget restrictions. This includes the judiciary. Nevertheless, justice is not about the cost involved. Courts ensure our freedom as Americans. I believe that Judges today must see to it that justice is still properly, efficiently and inexpensively served. In addition, it is our responsibility to make sure that all who come before the court are safe and secure, and not subject to intimidation or fear for exercising their constitutional rights. More and more there is a lack of respect for our laws and our legal system. Judges must set an example to make certain that all people before the court are treated with respect and dignity. I believe that good Judges can make lawyers better and set an example for all by showing a proper respect for individuals, our laws and the judicial system.