Office: For Judge of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
Term Beginning 1/4/2021
Age: 55
Residence: Macedonia
Email: votejudgecook@gmail.com
Website: http://www.judgekatarinacook.com
Social Media: @JudgeKatarinaCook; #JudgeCook4Kids
Occupation: Judge
Education: 1982 Graduate Firestone High School; 1986 B.A. History & Psychology University of Rochester; 1990 J.D. University of Akron School of Law
Work Experience:
Domestic Relations Mediator 2003-2005; Private Practice 1997-2005 & 2009; Guardian Ad Litem 1997-2005; Asst.Prosecutor Stark Co 1993-1997
Family: Married with 4 sons
Affiliations: IBH-Board Member; GASP-Board Member; Cascade Park Locks Association-Board Member; Scanlon Bell Inns of Court Bencher; Akron Bar Association Member; Ohio Women’s Bar Association Trustee; Akron Garden Club member; WITAN
Endorsements:
•State of Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague
•U.S. House Representatives for the 16th District Congressman Anthony Gonzalez
•U.S. House Representatives for the 14th District Congressman Dave Joyce
•Ohio 27th District Senator Kristina Roegner
•Ohio House of Representatives for the 38th District Bill Roemer
•City of Lakemore Mayor Richard Cole
•City of Hudson Mayor Craig Schubert
•City of Green Mayor Gerard Neugebauer
•City of Munroe Falls Mayor James W. Armstrong
•City of Fairlawn Mayor Bill Roth
•Summit County Council District 3 Councilman Ron Koehler
•Summit County District 3 Councilwoman Gloria Rodgers
•Summit County District 7 Councilwoman Bethany McKenney
•Copley Township Trustee Scott Dressler
•City of Cuyahoga Falls Ward 6 Councilman Adam Miller
•City of Cuyahoga Falls At-large Councilman Jeff Iula
•City of Stow Ward I Councilman Dennis Alterieri
•City of Stow Ward IV Councilman Mario Fiocca
•City of Stow Ward II Councilwoman Sindi Harrison
•City of Stow Councilman-at-Large Jeremy McIntyre
•City of Tallmadge Ward 3 Councilman Jonathan Bollas
•City of Hudson Ward 2 Councilman Chris Foster
•City of Hudson Ward 4 Councilwoman Beth Bigham
•City of Green Council President Barbara Babbitt
•City of Akron Clerk of Courts James Laria
•City of Barberton Clerk of Courts Diana Stevenson
•Former Judge, Ted Schneiderman
•Revere School Board Member Mike Kahoe
Bar Association Ratings:
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judge- Summit County Domestic Relations Court 1/2017-current; Judge-Akron Municipal Court 11/2009-1/2017; Magistrate-Akron Municipal Traffic Court 2/2005-3/2009
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I worked for Akron Municipal Judge Ted Schneiderman while still in law school, and did an unpaid internship for a federal appellate court judge during that time. I have worked in private practice for myself and for a law firm, which gives me the understanding of the challenges and needs that attorneys and clients face when appearing before a judge. While working for Judge Harry Klide as his judicial law clerk, I participated in Settlement Week, a means to resolve cases through mediation. I then obtained a position an assistant prosecutor in the juvenile division of the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, and gained experience trying cases and helping victims. I specialized in the prosecution of child sex offenders and served on the Child Sex Abuse Task Force.
When I started my own firm, I obtained my Guardian Ad Litem (“GAL”) and CASA training at the Summit County Juvenile Court, continuing my advocacy for abused and neglected children. While practicing as a GAL, I was recognized by Ohio’s 123rd Congress for outstanding work as a GAL at the Summit County Juvenile Court. I was also appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court. I obtained both general mediation and domestic relations certification, and practiced as a substitute mediator for the general division of the Summit County Common Pleas Court and had a private practice mediating domestic relations cases from the Stark County Family Court. I have the breadth of experience that is necessary to be a judge.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I originally sought this judicial seat in 2014 because the timing of this election cycle allows me to serve longer, and best corresponds with maximizing my ability to enhance and improve the Domestic Relations Court. I am in the beginning stages of launching my Family Recovery Court program which will address the needs of the families that are appearing before me that are affected by the opioid epidemic, chemical dependency and mental health issues. I need this time to obtain community partners, obtain expansive funding, and build a firm foundation for this program. Our children are my top priority. I will protect and safeguard them during difficult and oftentimes emotional court proceedings.
Working closely with all involved is critical for our children’s long-term health and happiness. In order to do this, this court must be placed in a position to implement the Family Recovery Court, to initiate a children of divorce program, and to start a help desk for those disadvantaged individuals that don’t understand the court process. The Local Rules of the Domestic Relations Court must be updated to make this court more “user-friendly” for everyone interfacing with this court. These goals are long term and if elected, I will be in the best position to undertake the necessary steps to achieve them for the benefit of our families. I hope that the energy and dedication that I demonstrate in this job every day will convince voters to put their trust in me once again.