Category: Uncategorized

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Juvenile and Probate judge since 2011

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Licensed to practice law in Ohio since 1986

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Experience, expertise and interest

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judge, Eleventh District Court of Appeals, 2003-Present; Presiding/Administrative Judge 2007, 2016, & 2017; Administrative Judge, 2020. Preside over cases in Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, and Trumbull Counties. Authored over 1,400 appellate opinions and decided over 4,000 appeals. I have been asked by the Chief Justice to sit as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court and the 2nd, 7th, and 9th District Courts of Appeals. Ohio Judicial Conference-Executive Committee, 2011-present; Co-Chair Criminal Law and Procedure Committee, 2011-present; Appellate Law and Procedure Committee, 2013-present; Ohio Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Courthouse Security, 2013-present.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to taking the bench, I spent 12 years as a state and federal criminal prosecutor. I prosecuted all major crimes including capital murder, murder, rape, bank robbery, cyberstalking and gang violence. As a criminal prosecutor, I gained experience in the courtroom trying cases to juries.

During my service on the bench, I have been able to contribute insight into nuances of criminal procedure that have assisted our court in delivering sound, well-reasoned opinions.

• Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Ohio, 1999-2002
• Special Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Ohio, 1997-1999
• Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office, 1991-1999
First Assistant Criminal Prosecutor; Chief Counsel Vertical Prosecution Unit for Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force; Chief Counsel Drug Prosecution Unit.

I also was in private practice prior to becoming an assistant prosecutor. This provided me with valuable insight into legal problems everyday people face and how it affects their lives.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have served the 11th District as a judge for the past 18 years. I believe my legal experience is an asset to the court. The majority of my legal experience prior to taking the bench was as a state and federal prosecutor. Since approximately half of our cases are criminal, I am able to provide insight into nuances of criminal procedure that have assisted our court in delivering sound, well-reasoned opinions. Having practiced as an Assistant United States Attorney, I am more familiar with differences between state and federal criminal laws. This enables me to better determine how U.S. Supreme Court decisions that address federal cases effect Ohio’s criminal justice system.

I have worked in various positions with the Ohio judicial Conference. The judicial conference provides research and impact statements on legislation that affects the administration of justice in Ohio. The goal of the OJC is to improve the judiciary from within the judicial branch and to recommend legislation where needed.

I would like to continue my work with the Ohio Judicial Conference during my upcoming term on the bench. Judicial education is a critical part of ensuring a strong judiciary. I have assisted other appellate judges in teaching the new appellate judges’ training seminar. I find teaching intellectually challenging and hope to continue contributing in this manner. And last but not least, I will serve as the Chief Judge for the Ohio Court of Appeals Judges’ Association in 2021. I am looking forward to this responsibility and challenge.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have not served as a Judge before but I have practiced law for over 30 years.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have dedicated my life to service. In my professional career, I worked as a public defender, as supervising attorney at the Ohio EPA, to my time as a Columbus City Councilmember and as Council President. I has been an advocate for protecting and serving all people, especially our most vulnerable citizens. I was the recipient of the Community Shelter Board’s Leadership and Hero Award for his commitment to the homelessness situation in our community.

Throughout my 30 plus year career as an attorney I have devoted his career to others. I have devoted my personal time to our community as well, be it serving as a past chair of the Columbus Catholic Diocese Bishops Annual Appeal which provides necessary resources to our non-profit community or serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations tackling affordable housing, domestic violence and volunteering to assist immigrants, refugees and New Americans. I uniquely understand the experiences of all in our community, especially those who rarely have a voice at the table and will bring that experience to the 10th District Court of Appeals.

I am a partner at Taft, Stettinius and Hollister where I have been rated by my peers as a Best Lawyer in America by US News and World Report. I concentrate my practice in the areas of renewable energy, environmental law, regulatory compliance, contract law, working on complex litigation issues and government relations. I am admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the United States District Courts of Ohio – Northern and Southern, and the State of Ohio.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My 31 years of practicing law have prepared me to serve on the Tenth District Court of Appeals. In that time, I have acquired the necessary experience and knowledge and have exemplified the necessary temperament to serve on the Court. I am the only candidate for this seat that brings almost 12 years of experience of working with a diverse, deliberative, decision-making body. This is in direct contrast to others who may only have experience of making autonomous decisions.

Treating colleagues with collegiality, being courteous and respectful to those whom I served with, as well as those who appeared before me, being decisive, fair and treating all with equality is how I held myself during my three terms on the Columbus City Council and throughout my career of 31 years. This is what I bring with me if elected to the Court.

My practice has encompassed serving as a public defender, as a staff attorney and supervising attorney to the Ohio EPA, as Chief Legal Officer to Ohio’s largest solid waste authority, as corporate general counsel, as a three-term elected official, and as an attorney in private practice. Each of these opportunities has allowed me to obtain a level of experience and knowledge that I can bring immediately to the court especially in the areas of energy and environmental law. The role and responsibility of a Court of Appeals judge is to apply the law to the facts of the case being presented to reach a fair and just decision. My knowledge, experience and demonstrated temperament over my 31 plus years of practice will allow me to do just that.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I do not have direct judicial experience.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Judges should be fair and thorough and be able to effectively communicate. My experiences and background have prepared me to do that. As described above, I have over 13 years of experience as a trial attorney and I’ve seen all sides of the issues — I have represented plaintiffs and defendants; mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. I have represented landlords and tenants; creditors and debtors; I have represented municipalities, organizations, juvenile delinquents, and victims of abuse. I have been a mediator and a guardian ad litem for children and incompetent adults.

If judges are to be impartial, it is important to know that they can see all sides and have a broad perspective on the cases that come before them. My diverse experience as a litigator and advocate allows me to do that. I have been an educator and taught legal writing and I have worked on a number of appellate cases, including briefs to the Ohio Supreme Court. Part of being a good judge is communicating well. Appellate judges do not see the witnesses testify or hear the attorneys make closing arguments. They review transcripts and briefs, research and analyze the law and the facts, and the review the decisions below. The appellate courts speak through their written decisions and the judges should be able to communicate to the litigants, the public, and the lower courts, something I’ve done in as an attorney and educator.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
The goal I have for every client is to be empowered to take on their challenges, win or lose. I have been an advocate for people and stood by them during their toughest struggles. It is rewarding, but I know I have more to give. I have a passion for fairness and justice, and I believe our courts should be more compassionate and accessible, and should be shielded from any appearance of outside influence. I decided to run because of my desire to help people, but also to bring compassion, fairness, and a broader range of experience to our appellate district. Public service is in my background and in my heart. I want to continue to make a difference in our communities and our justice system by serving as Judge in our 14-county district.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I am currently the Lead Magistrate, Franklin County Common Pleas Court Domestic Relations & Juvenile Division (2013-present). I have extensive litigation experience handling jury trials, bench trials and appellate court cases with approximately half civil and the other half criminal. I serve on a pilot specialty docket to address human trafficking within our community, chair court committees and represent the Court at national conferences to advance juvenile justice. My committee assignments assist the Court in progressive policy and planning, strategy work groups and ensuring that the Court is on the forefront in trends. Serving as a judicial officer, I have had numerous attorneys compliment me for my patience, attentive ear, and overall positive judicial temperament. I routinely ask attorneys for constructive critiques and ask the families about their experiences in my courtroom.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Throughout my twenty years in the Franklin County legal community, my practice was concentrated in the areas of Domestic Relations & Juvenile (DRJ) matters and litigation. I served as a legal intern in DRJ in law school. I have worked part time in the Diversion department as a Teen Court Hearing Officer while litigating full time during the day. I started a law practice to represent children and and parents in Domestic Relations & Juvenile matters as guardian ad litem and attorney. From 2003 to 2006, I was an Assistant Attorney General in Workers’ Compensation where I began litigating civil cases throughout Ohio. In 2006, I was recruited by Perez & Morris to handle product liability, workers’ compensation, immigration and other civil matters, and later left to accept a Staff Attorney position in the General Division of Franklin County Common Pleas Court where I served for four years. As Staff Attorney, I handled civil pretrial conferences, drafted civil and criminal decisions, assisted with managing the docket, and gained inside perspective of a judge’s role in General Division. In 2011, I opened a solo practice that handled civil and criminal cases in the General Division and Domestic Relations & Juvenile Branch.

Community service has allowed me to listen and to learn. I have volunteered at schools to share information about the Franklin County Court System and mentored youth on self-esteem and goal setting. I have also volunteered at churches and civic organizations to support numerous community events. For over 20 years, I have volunteered with Fire Fighters Against Drugs, serving as a tutor and serving meals during the holiday season.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am qualified to serve for the judicial position for which I am seeking election based on my experience, compassion, passion for families and overall commitment to the mission of the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court. My body of work demonstrates that I have the ability and qualifications to effectively fulfill the requirements of the office and serve in excellence. I am active in court committees and consistently go beyond the call of duty to serve as the Lead Magistrate. I am knowledgeable about the mission of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court and have consistently served families in Franklin County in Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court for over a decade. If elected, I am able to assume the role and fulfill the duties without any delays in justice.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Franklin County Municipal Court Judge {2012-2015} Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge {2015-pres)

For the past 8 years, I have served as a Judge on the Common Pleas Court bench and Municipal Court bench, I have presided over thousands of criminal and civil cases, including jury and bench trials.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to being elected Judge, I operated my own law firm for 17 years principally representing charged with criminal offenses in Central Ohio. I represented thousands of clients in U.S. District Court, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County Municipal Court and Franklin County Juvenile Court from initial appearances through jury trial to verdict and on appeal. I have also been counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants in various civil matters including personal injury cases, contract disputes, collection matters, landlord/tenant issues, small claims matters and numerous environmental cases.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have worked for, worked with and lived with Franklin County voters for over 30 years. I began my family in Franklin County, I worked as a prosecuting attorney for this County, I dedicated my legal career assisting individuals and companies in Franklin County and have served the citizens of Franklin County as both a Municipal Court and Common Pleas Court Judge.

I have assisted thousands of individuals and companies or organizations with their legal matters and continue to do so every day as a Judge. My dedication and hard work ethic have been noticed by my peers as I was voted as Highly Recommended in 2011 and 2014 and more recently in the 2020 0CBA performance poll rating of 4.13. I am seeking another term as a Common Pleas Judge to continue to provide the citizens of Franklin County with my diverse real world, judicial and legal experience. I also believe that commitment to public service is a noble endeavor.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served as an Appointed Magistrate in the Domestic Relations/Juvenile Court (2012-2013).

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have significant experience in domestic relations/juvenile court as well as other positions that directly impact this role. I have served as a staff attorney to a domestic relations/juvenile judge where I have drafted hundreds of decisions and managed a busy docket. I have experience as a prosecutor, solo practitioner, and business owner. I am also a step-parent and know firsthand the complexities of parenting arrangements and how this court has a major impact on family decisions. All these experiences allow me to uniquely understand the needs of the parties that come before the Court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I believe in the families and children of Franklin County and I know I can make a difference.

Compassion. I have a high level of compassion and desire to do more with this position other than process cases. I intend to use this position to truly impact our community outside of the courtroom walls — we need to see our judges in the community and we need to see the community in the courtroom learning about what goes on there. I also intend to use this position to mentor, encourage, and motivate the people that come before me to leave stronger than they came. Understanding that many juveniles will come before me and their interaction with the court can truly make or break their future, I will bring a high level of compassion to this role. Further, I will make sure that I and my staff are continuously trained on our implicit biases so we can identify them and learn ways to make sure they do not creep into our decision-making.

Work Ethic. I will bring a very strong work ethic to this position that will allow parties to get timely decisions so they can move forward with their lives. This Court is the busiest in the state and I am running for a seat that was created to help alleviate the high caseloads. My staff and I will answer our phones every time we hear them ring, respond to emails and voice mails, and do our very best to be timely and work full days. Families depend on the decisions that come out of this court.

Innovation. I will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas for how we can move cases along and give people the decisions they are looking for. Especially with the pandemic, courts are backlogged. I have several ideas for ways we can move things along — Saturday Court, continuing to have remote hearings in some cases, implement processes to make sure dissolution and uncontested divorce paperwork is completed ahead of time to ensure resolution at the time of the hearing; allowing attorneys and clients to be present virtually when possible.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas since March 28, 2011 presiding over all criminal and civil matters on my docket.

Additionally, I am one of 5 judges that comprise the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities docket. This is a docket where individuals charged with crimes who are diagnosed with a serious mental disease or who are developmentally disabled can be assigned and whose cases are handled by specially trained counsel and probation officers to better assist those with special and unique needs.

In addition, I am a member of the Faculty of the Judicial College of the Ohio Supreme Court and teach both new and established judges in areas of trial skills and procedure.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I was in the private practice of law for over 31 years before becoming a judge. In that time I was trial counsel in a wide variety of types of cases, served as an Assistant Law Director and Prosecutor for the City of Westlake, and served as a private mediator.

The cases in which I was involved were litigated in both state and federal courts. I was trial counsel in over 150 jury trials in many different counties in Ohio. I appeared before many Courts of Appeals in numerous districts in Ohio and before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in the federal court system. I also had the opportunity to appear before the Ohio Supreme Court in seven cases.

This wealth of experience in both civil and criminal law has provided me with the information and education to better serve as a judge. There is nothing that can make up for the actual “hands on” experience I have received in 39 years as an attorney.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I would like to continue my work serving the community, making sure that all parties in the criminal and civil justice system receive all their guaranteed rights and are treated fairly and equally.

The work with the Mental Health and Developmental Disability docket has been an incredibly rewarding experience and there is a sense of truly helping people with special needs. I would like to continue to help these individuals to receive needed assistance and treatment in hopes of having them no longer be a part of the judicial system.

The legal community has been very supportive of my work on the bench and my treatment of all the litigants and attorneys who have appeared before me. I would like to continue that service.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
• Magistrate Montgomery County Probate Court (2008-present)
• Visiting Magistrate Dayton Municipal Court (2007)

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Most of my non-judicial legal work experience has either been in the public sector representing individuals or in legal education teaching students the skills necessary to become competent ethical professionals. Through my work as a prosecutor and public defender, I learned all aspects of trial procedures and evidence used by judges when presiding over and deciding cases. Teaching students and running an indigent clinic at the University of Dayton School of law allowed me additional opportunities to learn and teach trial procedures and the ethical standards necessary to provide quality representation to those who cannot afford representation.

All my jobs have prepared me to be a judge by bringing me in contact with people from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. My work experience has instilled in me a sense of duty to treat all people equally, fairly, and with respect and kindness; all necessary qualities for being a good judge. My past positions also allowed me the time and connections to get involved with, and even help develop, organizations that help address the lack of legal representation for those of limited resources. A judge must be committed to seeking justice for the individual but also must be committed to seeking justice for the community by helping address and solve systemic problems facing the legal system. My prior work experience has prepared me to be the fair and respectful judicial official I have become.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for Montgomery County Probate Judge because I believe that I am the most qualified person to be Probate Judge. The probate court is not your typical court. It deals with numerous and complex social issues. It requires experience. Having served as a Probate Magistrate for almost twelve years, I have both the knowledge and experience necessary for the position. As a trained mediator for the court, including advanced training in Elder Mediation and Elder Care Coordination I have worked to find alternatives to contested court hearings. I have performed almost every aspect of probate court.

I have been in Public Service for most, if not all, of my legal career. I want to continue my public service career and hopefully impact positively the lives of those who come before me. I believe I have shown that I have the proper bench demeanor and have built the reputation for treating all those that come before me with the respect and fairness they deserve. Probate court is responsible for protecting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. I want to be positioned to help those suffering from severe mental health issues; help protect the elderly and mentally challenged from abuse and neglect though guardianship; and see that children can find forever homes through adoptions. Also, more recently, to help those suffering from chronic alcoholism and drug addiction receive necessary treatment.

I also believe that it is important to give back to the community. My continued commitment to the Montgomery County community is shown by my work creating the nationally acclaimed Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project along with past and present board membership on a wide variety of community organizations. Being Probate Judge will allow me to continue to help the community address systemic problems facing the vulnerable citizens coming before the probate court. I am running for probate judge to continue to make a difference in the lives of and protect some of the most vulnerable individuals in Montgomery County. I am running for probate judge to use my experience and knowledge to make sure the probate court efficiently and expedisoly handles all the numerous probate matters.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
• Judge, Tenth District Court of Appeals, July 2003 – Present
• Judge, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, March 1996 – July 2003
• Judge, Franklin County Municipal Court, May 1992 – March 1996
• Appointed by the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court to serve as a Visiting Judge on the Ohio Supreme Court, as well as other Ohio Courts of Appeals 2004 – Present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My legal career began in the Franklin County Municipal Court as an Assistant Columbus City Prosecutor where I prosecuted traffic and misdemeanor cases, such as OVI and domestic violence. As a prosecutor, I was assigned to various courtrooms and tried both jury and court trials. I had the responsibility of managing a trial docket and reviewing the evidence in each case I was assigned. I interviewed victims, police and civilian witnesses, and engaged in pre-trial preparation and case negotiations.

I transferred to the Litigation Section of the Civil Division of the Columbus City Attorneys Office where I represented the City of Columbus and its employees in complex litigation in both state and federal court. My responsibilities included conducting trials and appellate work in both state and federal courts. I have argued cases before the Tenth District Court of Appeals and The Ohio Supreme Court. I also conducted arbitrations and served as counsel for the License Section, Department of Public Service.

My final legal position before becoming Judge was serving as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel in the Office of the Governor. My responsibilities included management duties over the Office of Chief Legal Counsel which provided research and rendered opinions and guidance on issues in state government as directed by Governor George V. Voinovich. I also coordinated litigation matters involving the Governors Office with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office.

I remain active and dedicated to improving the practice of law. I have served on numerous committees in both the Columbus Bar Association as well as the Ohio State Bar Association. Some of my past service includes serving as Co-Chair to both the Ohio Judicial College Bench Bar Retreat and to the OSBA Jury Instruction Committee. I served on the Commission on Rules of Practice and Procedure and the Ohio Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Case Management and Appellate Time Line Guidelines. I am a long-time member of the Columbus Bar Association Admission Committee and have mentored scores of young attorneys.

The above depiction of my non-judicial legal experience, including my service to professional legal organizations, showcases my dedication to the legal profession and to public service. My wide-ranging non-judicial experience, combined with my extensive experience as both a trial and appellate judge uniquely qualifies me to continue to serve the citizens of Franklin County as an Appellate Judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am proud to serve Franklin County as Judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals and am running for re-election. In 2002, the voters of Franklin County elected me to serve them as an appellate judge, and I have served in that capacity since 2003.

The Tenth District Court of Appeals hears appeals from all divisions of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the Franklin County Municipal Court, the Franklin County Probate Court, and the Ohio Court of Claims, as well as numerous state agencies and licensing boards. The Tenth District Court of Appeals also has original jurisdiction over multiple types of extraordinary writs. Because the Supreme Court of Ohio accepts only limited discretionary appeals from appellate courts throughout the state, the Tenth District Court of Appeals is the court of last resort for the vast majority of cases it decides. Therefore, it is important to have the utmost trust and confidence in appellate judges.

I have served Franklin County as a Judge for over 27 years. This experience includes 11 years of judicial experience as a judge presiding over jury trials in both criminal and civil cases, and over 16 years as appellate judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals ruling on the complex cases described above.

During my tenure as appellate judge, I have been appointed by the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court to hear and decide cases as a Visiting Judge on the Oho Supreme Court, as well as other appellate courts across the state. My extensive judicial experience, combined with serving as Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Tenth District Court of Appeals, uniquely qualifies me to continue to serve as appellate judge.

I have earned a reputation for being fair and impartial, for following the Rule of Law, and for treating all who appear before me with dignity and respect. I have a proven record for efficiently deciding cases and I have earned the respect of those who come before the Court, as demonstrated by the rating of “Highly Recommended” from the Columbus Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee – a rating I have earned each time I have appeared before the Committee. I enjoy serving Franklin County as an appellate judge and take pride in ensuring equal justice to all litigants. If re-elected, I will continue to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice for all.