Author: ctaylor1

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations – July 1991 to November 1995 Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas (General Division) – November 1995 to December 2006 First District Court of Appeals – February 2007 to January 2015 Hamilton County Court of Common Please (General Division) – January 2015 to Present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My non-judicial legal experience has provided the best foundation I believe one could have for the position of judge. Experience matters and my term as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney provided me with that quality experience. For 11 years I was on the front line as a prosecutor. I was hired as an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney in 1979. I was assigned to the Criminal Trial Section, Juvenile Division. From the first day in the office, I spent my days in the courtroom. Daily I dealt with judges and magistrates. Daily I was involved with the dispensation of justice. After a year, I was promoted to the Municipal Division where I was afforded the opportunity to practice in front of all the Municipal Court Judges. I learned something from each judge and also that seeking justice is what good judges are all about. After a short stay in Municipal, I went to the Felony Division. Again, I daily saw how learned and experienced judges handled court proceedings, treated those that came before them and the methods and manners used to seek justice. It was great training. During my years as a felony prosecutor, I tried over 100 felony jury trials including seven death penalty cases. Those are very difficult but they instilled in me an obligation to always do the right thing. I have immense experience in being involved in how a courtroom works. Also, as a prosecutor, I was afforded the opportunity to become educated on how to deal with all types of people. I met daily with victims of crime, witnesses, law enforcement officers, defense attorneys and judges. I believe this has developed in me a well-rounded perspective of how fairness and justice occur. My non-judicial legal experience has provided me with the practical, procedural background as well as the understanding of and knowledge of fairness and justice. All the things necessary to be a good judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
For the past 28 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving the citizens of Hamilton County as a judge. I truly appreciate that opportunity and I feel I have fulfilled the expectations and trust the voters have put in me. I am hopeful I can continue to serve as a judge. I believe in my service as a judge I have worked hard, followed the law, treated everyone who has come into my courtroom with dignity and respect and sought justice. In effectuating my duties as a judge, I have accumulated a wealth of judicial experience. Experience matters. I feel I am well-qualified to be a good judge. A judge in the Common Pleas General Division is provided with a unique opportunity to help people. Over the years, I have been able to help many people. I would like to continue doing that. Judges are important and they make decision that affect the lives and well-being of the citizens of our community. I have made those tough decisions multiple times over the years. I have always made those decisions within the limits of the law and to exact justice and fairness to all. If re-elected, I would continue to help people. I would continue to help our justice system be viewed as a place where anyone and everyone in the community will receive justice. Personally, I truly enjoy being a judge. It has been in the most positive way a life changing experience. I look forward to going to work every day. I enjoy working with my staff and all the wonderful people at the courthouse. I am fortunate to be able to spend the day with prosecutors, defense attorneys and civil attorneys who, like me and with me, seek justice every day. I feel good everyday about helping people. I am blessed to be a judge. In my 28 years as a judge, I do not believe I have ever let you down. I will not let you down. I will never abuse the trust you have put in me. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve again as judge.

(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.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
None. I am a first-time candidate for Judge.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As a career public defender, I have represented thousands of members of our community who cannot afford an attorney within the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Prior to practicing in the General Division, I practiced extensively in Juvenile Court representing indigent minors in delinquency matters and parents in dependency, abuse, and neglect cases involving temporary and permanent custody of children. In the General Division, I currently represent adults charged with felony offenses within Cuyahoga County at all stages of the court process. I have also handled a large variety of misdemeanor and traffic offenses within the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Metroparks. My legal experienced as a public defender allows me to understand how barriers within the criminal justice system can negatively impact the life of a person involved with the court system long after their case is resolved. Through my work, I see the racial and economic disparities within our system and fight hard everyday to level the playing field. I will bring not only my qualifications as an experienced attorney, but also a level of compassion and sensitivity that makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the bench.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have specifically chosen to run for the seat vacated by Justice Michael P. Donnelly because of the importance of continuing the great work that he did while on the bench. While his new position on the Supreme Court of Ohio is fantastic for our State, he left very large shoes to fill here in Cuyahoga County. It would be an honor to carry on his legacy of fairness, transparency, and thoughtfulness as a Judge. In my current role as a public defender, I am a unique candidate for Judge. None of the 34 current sitting Judges in Cuyahoga County have this professional background. Through this experience, I am afforded an “up close & personal” view of the criminal justice system in Cuyahoga County. This perspective allows me to see the urgent need for Judges to work with county government to improve conditions in the Cuyahoga County Jail. Additionally, I will work tirelessly for bail reform and expanded mental health & substance abuse services for defendants. I am also aware that our courtrooms could work more efficiently, and I am committed utilizing resources and technical assistance whenever available to modernize and streamline our dockets. I am a working parent with a family, a career, and an active civic engagement calendar. I am a life-long Democrat with strong ties to the labor community and a proud member of AFSCME Local 3631. I advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, and economic justice. I am also an active member of the Rocky River Democratic Club and my precinct committee person. I believe that my legal experience, labor background, and Democratic ideals prepare me to serve as a Judge in Cuyahoga County with dignity and compassion.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Magistrate of Probate Juvenile Court Mercer County for 5 1/2 years, since May 2014. Had hearings and contested trials on probate cases from adoption, estates, wills and trusts, guardianships for adult, minor, incompetents, name change, declaratory hearings on trusts, to wrongful death, etc. and conducting hearings and contested trials in Juvenile Court on cases from custody, child support, visitation, grandparent visitation, home state issues, UIFSA issues, abuse, neglect, dependency, delinquency, paternity, shared parenting, contributing to delinquency of minors, truancy, registering foreign orders, probation hearings, initials, adjudications, dispositions, Contempts, bail and bond hearings, and more.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been an Attorney for 33 years. I practiced as a solo practitioner in my own office in Celina, Ohio. I did my own work–from intake, to prep of pleadings, to research through trial hearings. I listen. I know how to apply the law to people’s cases.I practiced in Mercer County Common Pleas Court in General, Criminal, Civil, Domestic Relations and Probate Juvenile Divisions, at the Celina Municipal Court, and representing clients in agency hearings for CSEA, JFS, and agricultural agencies. I also practiced in the Appeals Court, researching and writing cases, as well as practicing there. I also represented clients in jury trials in the Municipal and Common Pleas Court Divisions. I served as a guardian ad litem for years in Mercer County Juvenile and Domestic Relations custody and abuse, neglect, dependency cases for children to determine their best interests. I also served as GAL in other counties. I have served as a defense attorney for juvenile cases from truants who wouldn’t go to school because they had lice, to bindover hearings for murder. I have served as appointed counsel through the Ohio Public Defender’s Office for decades, as Mercer County appoints individual, local practicing attorneys who qualify under the Public Defender guidelines, to defendants who are eligible for such services. I have also served clients through out Mercer and surrounding counties in private practice on business law, agricultural law, wills and trusts, and so on. I have worked with people for many years in assisting them through the legal process–from the very young to the elderly. I helped people resolve matters and refer them to outside help of counseling services, addiction services, etc when need be to resolve issues beyond legal matters. My legal experience has been broad and extensive. I brought the ability to research, apply the law and write my own decisions in the Court. I have represented all kinds of people–multi-cultural, townspeople, farmers, laborers, professionals, children and adults, incompetent, physically and mentally challenged, the addicted, mentally ill, those with gender issues, and other issues–real or perceived.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
When I was 10 years old, I was pallbearer for a 3 year old toddler that had been beaten to death by her caregivers through the foster system. Her parents were getting a divorce and the children issues were certified to Juvenile Court who placed her in State care. It was a horrible situation and I did not understand all the legalities that led to her death. But, I felt someone could have done something to prevent her death and felt an overwhelming sense that it was unfair and unjust. That feeling of injustice sparked over little things occasionally until I finally decided to become a lawyer and do what I could to make things better. Further, I am prepared to be on the bench, after having served as Magistrate of this Court. It takes awhile to adjust to the way law is practiced as a judicial officer as opposed to an Attorney, but after these 5 years, I am confident, prepared and ready to serve the public as Judge.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, 2015-Present.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As both a prosecutor and defense attorney, I have a unique perspective, having represented both the State of Ohio and individuals charged with felony criminal offenses.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for re-election because I want to continue representing the community in which I grew up. Having the experience of being a prosecutor, defense attorney, and now judge, I am uniquely able to view the impact of cases on all parties to a case, in both criminal and civil cases.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
No prior official judicial experience

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I am well versed in the issues facing this judgeship a result of my personal and professional experience. I have been a private practice attorney for more than 12 years; owning my own practice since 2014. In addition to a career long practice in estate planning and probate administration, I have been appointed by the Athens County Juvenile Court to represent more than 100 children in cases of abuse, neglect or dependency and cases of delinquency. In representing children, I have interacted with foster parents, kinship homes, case workers at Athens County Children Services, guardian ad litems, and therapeutic service providers.

Before attending law school, I was a public school teacher in the Trimble Local School District for 12 years. I have taught hundreds of students ages 10 though 18 in compulsory and elective education with more than 11,000 hours of classroom experience.

I have also been appointed by the Athens County Probate Court in over 600 cases for individuals with mental illness who are facing commitment to the mental health hospital or the imposition of involuntary medications. In so doing, I routinely review medical records and meet with nurses and psychiatrists. I have attended treatment team meetings. My concern for the mental health community stems from my personal experience. I come from a family of six sons. Our mother had pronounced bi-polar disorder that first manifested itself when I was a young child and continued through the balance of her life. My older brother Paul had severe schizophrenia and suffered periods of homelessness and hospitalizations until he took his life during my first year of law school.

I have also been the guardian for more than a dozen individuals and currently serve as guardian for 7 adults through the Athens County Probate Court. These individuals have a varying combination of mental, physical and/or cognitive impairment. In this service, I have worked with doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, social workers, pharmacists, Athens County Job and Family Services and the Board of Developmental Disabilities. I am currently on the local Citizens Review Panel providing oversight of the child welfare system and on the board of Rising Suns Pharmacy, a charitable pharmacy being planned for the working poor. I served on the Athens County Board of Elections and the board of The Athens Foundation. My wide array of experience in this area makes me particularly qualified to be judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for the Athens County Probate and Juvenile judge because my mission of service to my community has given me the necessary experience and abilities that make me particularly suited for the position.

Since high school, I knew that I would pursue a career of service, which first began as a teacher. I wanted to expand my capacity for service by becoming a local attorney. It has been my privilege to represent many of the children, mentally ill, and elderly members of our community. My knowledge and experience have also given me the opportunity to serve on the governing body of several charitable, civic, and governmental organizations. By remaining dedicated to a path of service, I have found myself with the proper experience and abilities that make me well suited for judgeship. I believe, that by serving as judge for the Athens County Probate and Juvenile Court, I can fully realize my mission of service and put my experience and abilities to their greatest use. Spending hundreds of hours practicing in probate and juvenile court in Athens County, I have witnessed first-hand the unique opportunity the probate and juvenile judge has in making a substantive difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community. My personal and professional experience will inform the decision making in the discharge of my duties as judge in a very meaningful way. Having this unique history allows me to be of great benefit to others. If I ignored this chance to serve the larger community, I feel that I would be disobeying my conscience. I never imagined when I first started my career that I would have this opportunity, but as I now find myself in this situation, I feel compelled to answer this call of service.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judicial Law Clerk, United States District Judge John M. Manos, United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio; Hearing Officer, Cuyahoga County Board of Revision.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
LEGAL QUALIFICATIONS: Federal Bar Association, Circuit Vice President for the Sixth Circuit (National Officer) (2010-2016); Senior Attorney, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP (1991-2010); Law Clerk to United States District Judge John M. Manos, United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (1989-1991); Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings; Ohio Super Lawyers (2006) (Top 5% of Attorneys in Ohio); Life Member, Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference (2006 to Present); Sustaining Life Charter Member, Foundation of the Federal Bar Association; Past President, Federal Bar Association, Northern District of Ohio Chapter (2002-2003); Barrister, John M. Manos Inn of Court (American Inns of Court); Case Western Reserve Law Review, Articles Editor; Member of the Bar, Supreme Court of the United States, United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, United States Courts of Appeal for the Second, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Judicial Circuits, United States District Courts for the District of Arizona, Northern District of Ohio, and Southern District of Ohio; District of Columbia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Ohio.

PUBLISHED ARTICLES: How Magistrate Judges Are Selected, Appointed, and Reappointed (The Federal Lawyer, National Publication of the Federal Bar Association, May/June 2014); Thank You, William K. Suter, 19th Clerk of Court, U.S. Supreme Court (The Federal Lawyer, National Publication of the Federal Bar Association, September 2013); Judicial Profile, Hon. Gregory White, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Northern District of Ohio (The Federal Lawyer, National Publication of the Federal Bar Association, March 2013); Judicial Profile, Senior United States District Judge Lesley Brooks Wells (Inter Alia, Newsletter of the FBA Northern District of Ohio Chapter, Fall 2006); A Primer on the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (Cleveland Bar Journal, October 2003); Judicial Profile, Senior United States District Judge John M. Manos (Inter Alia, Newsletter of the FBA Northern District of Ohio Chapter, Winter 2001); Non-U.S. Law Firms, How to Enforce Your Foreign Trade Secrets in the U.S. (International Commercial Litigation Magazine, January 1999); Taking the Early Flight Out to Pasture: The Second Circuit Adds a New Wrinkle to Voluntary Early Retirement Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (Case Western Reserve Law Review, 1989); Portrait of Professor Thomas Irwin Emerson, Yale Law School.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have aspired to be a judge since the day I entered law school almost 34 years ago. It is the reason I chose to begin my legal career with a clerkship with a legendary federal judge who was not only a fine judge, but also a dedicated teacher, where I received training and guidance on what it takes to be a dedicated judge. It is the reason I sought a litigation practice with a worldwide leading law firm, which allowed me to gain experience and exposure to a wide range of the law and cases in both state and federal courts, in matters simple and complex. It is also the reason I have been active in bar activities related to judicial matters and the trial process. For me, judicial service is not just a job, but a calling.

As to the specific qualifications and qualities I believe I would bring to the position of judge, I hope I have identified and expressed them in my answers provided for this questionnaire. I believe being a good judge requires above all an ability to listen, as well as possession of the qualities of intelligence, understanding, patience, respect, a calm and positive demeanor, and a sincere commitment to fairness. I believe I possess these qualities, and I have been fortunate to have had others express these sentiments about me throughout my legal career.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Common Pleas Judge since July 6, 2020.  28 years of experience in all areas handled by the Common Pleas Court.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have practiced law for 28 years. I have worked in all areas covered by the Common Pleas Court including: serious criminal cases (felonies), Domestic Relations, Civil Litigation and Foreclosures.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
With 28 years of experience I believe becoming a Judge would be the pinnacle of the practice of law. Recent turmoil in the criminal justice system will require an experienced person who is deeply familiar with the County and its citizens to restore the confidence in the system. I am completely committed to this community and want the best for my family and others.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served as a trial judge for 12 years. I’m currently a judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County (General Division), where I handle felony criminal cases and a variety of civil cases. I was elected in 2014 and began serving on that court in February 2015. From January 2008 until February 2015, I served as a judge on the Delaware Municipal Court, where I handled misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic cases, and civil cases. I was elected to that job in 2007, and I was reelected in 2013. I understand the tough calls that trial judges must make during jury trials and in their other work, I have imposed sentences in hundreds of criminal and traffic cases, and I think I have earned a well-deserved reputation for being a fair, hard-working, courteous, and humble judge.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I served for four years (2004-2007) as the Director of Legal Resources for the Supreme Court of Ohio, which essentially means that I was the in-house legal counsel at that court. While in that role, I worked closely with then-Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, who was a wonderful mentor for me. From 1997 until 2003, I worked in the Ohio Attorney General’s office under then-Attorney General Betty Montgomery. From 2000 until 2003, I served in that office as the State Solicitor of Ohio, which means that I oversaw the office’s appellate work in the Supreme Court of the United States, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and other state and federal appellate courts. From 1993 until 1997, and then again for several months in 2003, I served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Delaware County. In that role, I prosecuted many felony cases including a death-penalty murder case, and I also represented county elected officials and agencies. Earlier in my legal career (1991-1993), I served as an associate at the Jenner & Block law firm in Chicago. And during the first year after I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1990, I served as a law clerk for Judge Albert Engel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. I bring a broad range of judicial and legal experience to my work, and I look forward to serving another six-year term at the common-pleas court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I think that the public expects judges on any court to be knowledgeable about the law and about life, to be level-headed and patient, to be good listeners who are open-minded, and to issue prompt and well-reasoned decisions. I bring to this race a track record of serving as that kind of judge for 12 years, and there is no better way to evaluate how a judge might handle his or her work in the future than to examine how that judge has performed in the past. I’m very proud of my 12 years of service as a trial judge, and I think that my experience in that role ensures that my court will remain strong and steady in the years ahead. I also think that I bring the kind of academic credentials and legal experience that the public rightly expects from judges on our most important courts. I was the valedictorian of my high-school class in 1983, and I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1990. I’ve argued before the Supreme Court of the United States, I’ve handled numerous high-profile and complex cases as a lawyer and as a judge, and I’ve demonstrated time and again that I approach my work in a non-ideological way and without any bias or prejudice. I enjoy intellectually challenging work, I think that I’m a strong writer, and I like handling a variety of civil and criminal cases. My experience of working in the public sector and in the private sector, of working in large offices and small ones, of handling trial work and appellate work, and of serving as both a lawyer and as a judge equips me well to continue to handle the important work of deciding cases at my court. I am grateful that this site gives me the chance to share some information about my background, and I commend those voters who are seeking out information about their judicial candidates. Judges can have a huge impact on their communities, and I think it’s vital that we choose smart, capable, hard-working, and experienced people for all of our judicial offices.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Magistrate/Court Administrator- Delaware County Probate/Juvenile Court 2003-2015 Judge- Delaware County Probate/Juvenile Court 2015-present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
From 1999 to 2003 I served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Delaware County, during which time I prosecuted more than 400 criminal cases, handled juvenile matters, prosecuted child abuse and neglect matters and represented Delaware County Political Subdivisions in civil matters. I also served as Chair of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Juvenile Law Committee and a member of that organization’s Board of Governors.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my seventeen years of experience at the court, and in particular the last five years serving as Judge. During that five years, we have improved case flow, shortened timelines to completion in cases, streamlined the handling of child neglect and abuse matters, modernized court technology, ended the wasteful practice of attempting to collect exorbitant fees from young children, and instituted multiple grant-funded programs to attempt to divert low-level offenders and reduce overuse of juvenile detention. I love the work that we do, and the people with whom I have the privilege of working. Yet, there is much more to do. We have just opened our juvenile assessment center. We are in the early stages of implementing a guardianship services board. We are recognized around the state as a leading example in court programming, and I wish to continue the momentum that we have established.