Office: For Judge of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division
Full Term Beginning 2/9/2021
Age: 54
Residence: Lexington
Email:
Website: http://kellybadnellforjudge.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Badnellforjudge/
Occupation: Attorney
Education: J.D. from Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law; B.A. Business Administration and B.A. Political Science from Washington & Jefferson College
Work Experience: Civil and criminal litigation attorney, 1998 to present; site acquisition and zoning compliance, 1996-1998; Assistant Prosecutor 1994-1996. I have a “Very High” rating in both “Legal Ability & Ethical Standards” by Martindale-Hubbel’s attorney peer review, 2018 – 2020. I am certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Workers’ Compensation Specialist, 1996 – present.
Family: Married with 2 children.
Affiliations: First Congregational Church of Mansfield; member of “100 Women for Shelby” Shelby Women’s Fund of the Shelby Foundation; Ohio State Bar Association
Endorsements:
Bar Association Ratings:
(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.