Category: Uncategorized

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
None

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been a licensed attorney in Ohio since 2005. I have primarily handled Workers Compensation cases on behalf of injured workers, but have also represented parties involved in auto accidents/other personal injury, probate, domestic, contract disputes, and criminal matters. I have worked with attorneys, mediators, and judges across the state at all levels.

I also served as a State Senator from 2008-2018. The opportunity to represent the Mahoning Valley in Columbus allowed me to work on changes to the law that would benefit my community. I worked with stakeholders everyday in order to make sure that my constituents voices were heard. I spent my time participating in hearings, studying the Ohio Revised Code, interviewing witnesses, and gathering facts. I then was able to make informed votes and clearly explain my positions and rationale for the proposals that I recommended.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I want to make a positive impact in the lives of others and benefit my community. As a lawyer, that is my goal each and every day when I drive to work. As a County Court judge, I will have that opportunity and will always take it seriously. I will thoroughly work with victims, law enforcement, attorneys, and defendants in order to find fair resolutions to the matters presented to the court. I will always provide an open minded and unbiased courtroom, no matter the circumstances surrounding the case. I will consider that facts of the matter and follow the law as written. I will always put the community first and will not make any of my decisions without considering all sides and properly deliberating.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
• Presiding Judge, Summit County Court of Common Pleas, January 2020 to present
• Judge, Summit Count Court of Common Pleas, December 17, 2020 to present
• Chief Magistrate, Summit County Domestic Relations Court, 2016 to 2018
• Magistrate, Summit County Domestic Relations Court, 2010 to 2016

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an attorney in private practice, I gained broad experience handling almost every type of case within the jurisdiction of a common pleas judge. From criminal defense work to civil litigation, my experiences representing clients in the common pleas court system gave me hands-on experience from the other side of the bench. My experience dealing with different judges in multiple different courts gave me a great deal of insight into the temperament, attitudes, policies, and procedures that lead to the effective and efficient administration of justice, and those that do not.

As an attorney, I represented people from all walks of life. I represented the young, the elderly, the poor, and the wealthy. I represented small businesses and wage earners. I represented people who had committed crimes. I represented people whose only way of getting help was through the justice system, and who were depending on me. I developed compassion and empathy for all of the people who make up our community, and a sense of responsibility toward those people.

While an attorney, I was also privileged to act as a court-appointed guardian ad litem advocating for hundreds of children in our court system. As a guardian, I investigated and made recommendations to the court regarding the best interests of those children. I analyzed information, applied the law to those facts, made decisions regarding the most just outcome for the children who were my wards, and wrote those decisions in a report.

As a result, I learned to think and write like a judge. All of these experiences have served me well in my time as a judicial officer, as both a magistrate and a judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
One of my favorite quotes is from Teddy Roosevelt, who said “Far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” For me, there is no more worthwhile or important work than that of a judge. I am honored and humbled to do this work.

The rule of law is the hallmark of a civilized society. A just court system protects its citizens from the abuses of both the government and fellow citizens. I am committed to making the world a safer and more just place to live. That work never stops, and we can never stop striving for improvement.

This year has been a difficult one for all of us. As presiding judge of my court, I have had to figure out how to keep a grand jury going in the middle of a pandemic. We are still struggling with balancing the need to keep the public safe versus the right that all people in our system have to have their cases tried by a jury. But balancing competing interests is what justice is all about.

Our country was founded in rebellion and a two hundred and fifty year quest to do and be better. For ourselves, for our communities, and for our children. We are experiencing growing pains right now. I believe that the court system has a huge role to play in ensuring that all of our citizens feel that they will be treated fairly, and that no one has their thumb on the scales of justice. No one entering a courthouse should be afraid that because of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, or sex they will not receive justice. I believe that smart judges can help prevent crime, through careful and thoughtful sentencing processes. I believe that everyone deserves their day in court, and it is a privilege to provide that for them. I believe that a judge is a public servant. I believe I am a good judge who will become a better judge. Because this work is too important not to.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Magistrate Akron Municipal Court 1990-1997; Judge Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court 1998-2002; Judge Summit County Juvenile Court 2003-present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My background in education has assisted me in dealing with children and families. I have always been active in the community and have a strong knowledge of resources available to assist children and families. I am able to work with community partners to collaboratively assist families and children.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have been in the Juvenile Court for nearly 18 years and have implemented many cutting edge programs that have benefited children and families. I would like to use this last term to continue to do this important work.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served my community as a judge for over 8.5 years, both as municipal judge and as a common pleas judge. In 2011, I was elected as Judge in the Barberton Municipal Court and during my tenure I served as Presiding Judge. While serving the Barberton Municipal Court many changes were made at the Court in an effort to make the Court operate effectively and efficiently. The Court started a Community Service program along with a Suspended License Intervention Program and a Mental Health Court. The Court actively sought grant money to make changes and enhancements to the Court without the need to use taxpayer money.

In November 2013, I was appointed to the General Division of the Summit County Common Pleas Court and elected to a full 6 year term in November of 2014. I preside over adult felony criminal cases including death penalty cases, and complex civil cases. In December 2016 and 2017 I was elected by my peers to serve as Presiding Judge of the Summit County Courthouse. The Presiding Judge oversees and supervises the Petit Jury and Grand jury at each successive session of Court.

In August 2017, in addition to my daily duties, I began presiding over a felony drug court docket called Turning Point which is a specialty docket certified by the Ohio Supreme Court. This specialized docket serves the needs of high risk/high need offenders who suffer from the disease of addiction and helps them attain and maintain long-term sobriety through the use of a team approach so that they become productive members of our community.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My strong record of professional excellence, professional accomplishments, and broad legal and life experiences qualifies me to retain this position.

Since 1994, I have been fortunate to have held positions which have allowed me to fully develop my legal knowledge and experience. As an Akron Municipal Traffic Court Intern and an Assistant Summit County Prosecutor I prosecuted thousands of traffic and criminal cases where I gained valuable courtroom and trial experience. As police legal advisor, general counsel and executive director for the Sheriff’s Office I broadened my legal writing skills, and civil law knowledge. As Barberton Municipal Court Clerk I dealt on a daily basis with legal issues regarding the thousands of cases filed in the Barberton Municipal Court.

In all of these diverse positions I conducted myself in a professional and unbiased manner while treating others with respect. As Judge I continue to make legal rulings with that same respect for the law in order to enhance confidence in our legal system.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have been fortunate to have practiced law for over 26 years in various positions in addition to my current position as a one of ten Summit County Common Pleas Judges. My prior judicial experience, prosecutorial experience and administrative experience have permitted me to fully develop my legal knowledge and experience. In all of these positions I have conducted myself in a professional and unbiased manner while treating others with respect.

Each position I have held has required that I make difficult legal decisions and my decisions were always made with respect for the law and always with an overwhelming attention fairness. I will continue to make legal rulings with that same respect for the law in order to enhance confidence in our legal system.

I recognize a judge’s role in guiding the tone of any legal matter and I believe that the significance of a judge’s role remains a critical element in our system. I am also dedicated to my community and recognize the importance of a strong community that is reflected through our justice system. I am honored to continue to serve my community and my peers in such a position and believe that I have the personal and professional qualities to do so with integrity and fairness.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served this community as a judge for 21 years, as noted above, currently as the most Senior judge on the Common Pleas General Division. I am also Presiding Judge of a ReEntry Court, which strictly monitors recently released offenders to ensure that they transition to a safe and sober lifestyle.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As a former staff attorney to a judge and as a prosecutor who tried almost 100 jury trials, I have experience practicing in the very court in which I serve.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
It is my honor to serve as your Common Pleas Judge, and I look forward to continuing in that service.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judge, Washington County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, 2020-present Acting Judge, Marietta Municipal Court, 2003-2005

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Through my leadership roles for various local organization boards, I have the ability to collaborate, listen and evaluate. I have worked with folks from all walks of life and have made a positive impact on Washington County. I am decisive, polite and affable. Maintaining the proper decorum and expecting it from those I work with has earned me their respect.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Holding the elected office of Common Pleas Judge in the county where I was raised has been a goal of mine for many years. I consider being a member of the judiciary the pinnacle of my legal career. My roots are here and where I raised my family and practiced law. The health and success of Washington County are my top priorities. As a Judge, I have a positive impact on the community and those who appear in my court. My experience makes me uniquely suited to continue in this position.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
As a judicial candidate, I do not have prior judicial experience. However, I have 25 years of litigation experience as a former assistant prosecuting attorney and in private law practice.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have 25 years of civil and criminal litigation experience. As a former assistant prosecuting attorney, I prosecuted adult felony and juvenile delinquency cases and provided legal advice to township and county officials.
In private law practice, I have extensive litigation, jury trial, and appellate experience representing clients in a wide variety of matters including: personal injury (plaintiffs and defendants); insurance defense and insurance coverage issues; employment law; mandamus actions; workers’ compensation claims; wage and hour law; and declaratory judgement actions.

I am admitted to practice in Ohio courts and the United States District Court of the Northern District of Ohio and the United State District Court of the Southern District of Ohio. I have represented clients in jury trials in many of the Common Pleas Courts in Ohio, including Richland, Marion, Lucas, Montgomery, and Ashland. I have represented clients in appellate cases before the Fifth, Eighth, and Ninth District Courts of Appeals of Ohio, and in Mandamus actions in the Tenth District Court of Appeals of Ohio. I have represented client in cases before the Ohio Supreme Court.

In 2001, I represented a client on an insurance coverage issue in which the Ohio Supreme Court affirmed the Fifth District Court of Appeals decision, affirming the Richland County Common Pleas Court decision granting summary judgment to my client. In 2017, I represented a client in a Mandamus action on appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court in which the Court affirmed the Tenth District Court of Appeals decision in favor of my client. My experience in private practice has given me the opportunity to understand how important cases are to the people involved in them and how the law affects their lives.

I am the only candidate for Richland County Probate Judge who has maintained a private law practice. I have experience running a business, managing staff, doing accounting, payroll, budgeting, and financial statements. I have an excellent work ethic. In my private practice, I have gained experience in efficiently utilizing my time to perform both my legal and administrative work. My legal experience and business acumen make me uniquely qualified to perform both the judicial and administrative duties of Richland County Probate Judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
This is my way to give back to the residents of Richland County. I have had a successful and productive career in this county. I want to serve the citizens of Richland County, and uphold and protect the rule of law. My private law practice has afforded me the opportunity to help people. As Probate Judge, I will be able to assist and protect the most vulnerable citizens of Richland County, as well as administering wills, estates, and adoptions in a fair, efficient, and respectful fashion.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I am not currently a Judge but have 39 years in representing clients in many different Courts in Ohio – particularly many Probate Courts.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have practiced law for 39 years. My practice has been concentrated in probate law and estate planning. I have represented thousands of clients in Franklin County. I have particularly advised these clients in how to avoid the Probate Court process and how to keep elderly clients in their homes (rather than nursing homes or assisted living facilities). I have extensive trial experience including jury trials. I have years of experience in running a business as a partner in a law firm. I have training as a mediator and have assisted many families in settling their family differences after the death of a loved one.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My extensive legal experience over 39 years in Probate law makes me uniquely qualified to deal with the issues that would come before me as the Probate Judge. Many of the more difficult cases that come before the Probate judge involve family disputes when a loved one becomes incapacitated or has died. My experience in representing thousands of clients in probate and estate planning cases makes me well suited to resolve these disputes. I have extensive experience in probate litigation matters and in mediating difficulties to a successful resolution. I would be honored to be given the opportunity to be the Probate Judge to continue to serve the residents of Franklin County.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Until now, my 24 year legal career has been devoted primarily to representing clients in litigation before Ohio’s Courts of Common Pleas, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Ohio. I also have significant experience litigating in the federal court system, as well as before state administrative and regulatory agencies, and through private arbitration.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
A large part of my practice has been representing first and second generation family run businesses in “bet-the-company” litigation. The kinds of disputes where everything is on the line, and a bad outcome might change the trajectory of an entire family for decades. I have sat with my clients around the kitchen table the night before trial, listening to their fears and offering advice, support and counsel. Over the course of two decades, I have seen litigants, witnesses, and their families on some of the most difficult days of their lives. I have seen the toll that our system takes on them, all regardless of outcome. My legal experience has prepared me to serve our community, with the aim of pairing legal scholarship with humility; bringing legal rigor and impartial dispassion, but also a healthy measure of compassion, respect, and, where appropriate, mercy.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
There is no greater calling than public service in support of a fair and free society. And there is no higher duty than to ensure justice for the disenfranchised as much as for the powerful. My legal career has allowed me to help families on the best and worst days of their lives. The simple fact is that the Court of Common Pleas is where Americans intersect most directly with their government, and they rightly expect our judges to match the requisite impartiality, scholarship and trial skills with a sense of basic decency. I believe I have something to offer our community in service of those goals.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I am a first time judicial candidate. I have been an attorney for nineteen years and worked in the Common Pleas Court for over thirteen years.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My non-judicial legal experience provides the foundation that qualifies me to be a judge. I have been a licensed attorney in Ohio since 2000. As a new attorney, I was a sole practitioner practicing in a variety of areas including estate planning, domestic relations, and civil litigation. I was a public defender protecting our youth and for the last thirteen years I have worked in the Common Pleas Court as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney protecting our community. I have litigated many criminal cases ranging from theft to aggravated murder. I am currently leading the Crimes of Violence Against Women and Children Unit as well as a member of the Heroin Task Force. All these experiences are the foundation that have prepared me to possess the proper judicial temperament and legal knowledge to be a judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas because I have a wide array of experiences in different arenas that I can apply to the bench. I have worked outside of the courtroom in various capacities, including working for a Fortune 500 company as well as being a business owner. I have been an assistant prosecuting attorney for 15 years. Thirteen of those years have been practicing in the Common Pleas Court. I have been a fighter for victims and a defender for our community against violent criminals.

With my experience litigating cases in common pleas court, I have what it takes to be tough but fair. I possess the necessary judicial temperament and understand how to apply the law equally to seek justice. As a wife, mother and community leader, I work tirelessly to make our community a better and safer place for all. I look forward to the honor of continuing to serve the citizens of Hamilton County as the next Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge.