Office: Mahoning County Court Judge
Age: 36
Residence: Boardman, OH
Email: mgambrel211@gmail.com
Website: www.gambrelforjudge.com, Facebook;MattGambrelforMahoningCountyCourtJudge,
Occupation: Attorney
Education: J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law (Cleveland State), B.A. form Ohio University, H.S. Diploma from Boardman High School
Work Experience: Sole practitioner attorney since 2008. My practice focuses on criminal defense (felonies and misdemeanors), probate (wills, estates, guardianships), and general civil litigation
Family: Married, one child placed with us, waiting for the adoption to be finalized
Affiliations: Boardman Lions (past president from 2016-2018) / Mahoning County Bar Association / Catholic
Endorsements: N/A
Bar Association Ratings: N/A
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)I have never held judicial office.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
A county court judge presides over evictions, lawsuits under 5,000.00, traffic offenses, misdemeanor crimes, and preliminary hearings for felony crimes. It is the equivalent of a municipal court, but located in areas that are not established as a municipality. In Mahoning County, the four county courts are located in Boardman, Canfield, Austintown, and Sebring. I have been a licensed attorney in the state of Ohio since 2008. I have been actively practicing in the Mahoning County Courts, as well as the Mahoning and Trumbull Common Pleas and Probate Courts since starting my practice. I have been a sole practitioner my entire career with my practice focusing primarily on probate, criminal defense and civil litigation. I have worked on over 1,000 cases over the course of my career. I am very familiar with the types of cases that come through the court. This experience has given me a thorough understanding of all parties involved in the county court system. Because of my experience and understanding, I will make sure everyone before me is treated fairly and with respect and that my rulings will be just and appropriate. I do not believe in blanket policies and absolutes. I think every situation is different and needs to be heard and resolved based on the particular facts of each case. This takes time, patience, and and real understanding and appreciation of the cases. My experience as a practicing attorney, actively practicing in the county court system since 2008 qualifies me to be a judge in this court.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for this particular court seat because I think I have the experience and commitment to the community to run a fair and honest court. I have already discussed my professional qualifications for the position. I firmly believe this area is a wonderful place to call home. I am committed to serving and improving my community. I am a member of the Boardman Lions Club, serving as club president for the past two years. As member have worked to raise money and help provide assistance for those in need in the community. I have chaired committees and worked with the local food pantry to establish a food pantry at the Boardman Center Intermediate School. I believe I can further better my community by serving as a County Court Judge. My professional experience, personal history and priorities, and temperament make me the ideal choice as county court judge. My goal is to preside over a fair, honest, efficient and accessible court. In my years of practicing in the courts, I have seen what judicial methods work and which ones fail. I understand the perspectives of the parties and attorneys. I have proven my pride in our community and will approach a judgeship with the same philosophy of improving the community and making a courtroom that the people of Mahoning County deserve and can take pride in.
