Office: Summit County – Judge of the Summit County Court of
Common Pleas, General Division
Age: 56
Residence: Akron, OH
Email: McLaughlinforjudge@gmail.com
Website: Facebook: @McLaughlinforJudge
Occupation: Chief Magistrate at Summit County Court of Common
Pleas, Domestic Relations
Education: The Ohio State University College of Law, graduated in
1987, Juris Doctorate; The Ohio State University, graduated with
honors in 1984, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Phi Beta
Kappa,Designated Freshman Scholar, and President’s Scholarship
Award. Mogadore High School, graduated 1980. Salutatorian, National
Merit Scholar, and Distinguished Scholar Award from Kent State
University.
Work Experience: 2017 to present Chief Magistrate Summit County
Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division 2010 to 2017
Magistrate, Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic
Relations Division 1996 to 2010 Davidson, Bonetti, Dunseath and
McLaughlin, Civil and Criminal Litigation 1988 to 1996 Tramonte, Kot,
Davis and Lowry, Civil and Criminal Litigation Argued cases before the
Ninth and Tenth District Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court of
Ohio. Federal Court Practice.
Family: Single
Affiliations: Akron Summit Community Action, Inc., The American
Legion Auxiliary, Child and Family Leadership Exchange, Leadership
Akron, Buckeye Girls State, The YWCA ,The NAACP, The League of
Women Voters , The Federated Democratic Women of Summit County,
Member, St. John’s Episcopal Church
Endorsements: Tom Sawyer, former U.S. Congressman, State Senator,
Akron Mayor; Margo Somerville, President Akron City Council; Marilyn
Keith, Akron City Council; Russ Neal, Akron City Council; Shannon Wokojance, Barberton City Council; Drew Reilly, Cuyahoga Falls City
Council; Robert McDowell, Mogadore Village Council; Liz Walters,
Summit County Council; Mayor Michael Rick; Ginger Baylor, Akron
School Board; Pastor Gregory Harrison; Pastor Daniela Williams;
Pastor Louis Harris; UFCW Local 880.
Bar Association Ratings: N/A
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
2017 to present Chief Magistrate Summit County Court of Common
Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. 2010 to 2017 Magistrate, Summit
County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a
judge?
The breadth and depth of my non-judicial experience in litigation,
mediation, and fair and impartial decision-making, have prepared me to
successfully handle all aspects of being a common pleas court judge. I
have been an attorney for a total of 30 years. For 23 years I was an
attorney in private practice as a civil and criminal litigator. I litigated
cases in the areas of personal injury, bankruptcy, consumer law,
corporations, criminal law and defense, and workers compensation
appeals. I have represented clients before the Ninth and Tenth District
Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Ohio. I was admitted to,
and represented clients before, the Federal District Court for the
Northern District of Ohio. As an attorney, I’ve handled virtually every
type of case heard by a Common Pleas Court Judge.
As a mediator, I have hundreds of hours of experience mediating in our
court system. Mediation skills are an important tool for a judge to use in
her docket management. Mediation can bring about settlement of
cases, providing the parties with a swift resolution of their
controversies while conserving judicial resources. Through my work as
a parenting coordinator, I dealt with some of the most difficult and
litigious parties in the court system. That experience prepared me to
effectively deal with challenging litigants from the bench. I am proud of
my training and experience as a Guardian ad litem. For 18 years, I acted
as a guardian for children in our court system. Being a Guardian ad
litem taught me to neutrally, impartially and fairly evaluate evidence in
the most heart-wrenching and difficult cases. These non-judicial
experiences have made me well-qualified to effectively and efficiently
discharge the responsibilities and challenges facing a common pleas
court judge.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Given my unique combination of skills and experience, this is the most
effective way for me to serve the citizens of Summit County. I was
raised in a family where service to the community was not only valued,
but required. My commitment to my community has never wavered.
Summit County, like most counties in Ohio, is facing significant
challenges. The court system has a part to play in meeting those
challenges, and I want to be a part of the solution. Good judges help
solve problems. I will be a good judge.
During my 7+ years at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, I
have heard and decided over 6500 cases. I am currently the Chief
Magistrate, supervising 11 other magistrates. As Chief, I have a full
hearing docket as well as administrative, personnel, and policy making
duties. Judges have the same types of responsibilities. During my time
on the bench, I’ve developed the reputation for making fair and timely
decisions. I treat everyone with respect, but I don’t tolerate any
nonsense. Judicial temperament like mine is a necessity for a judge. The
person who wins this seat will take office as soon as the election results
are certified. The voters deserve someone who is ready, able, and
enthused about the challenges ahead. I am that person.