Laura Creed

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

In 2015, I was appointed to serve as a Magistrate in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas by then Administrative and Presiding Judge John J. Russo. I have heard hundreds of Petitions for Civil Stalking Protection Orders. These cases require two hearings, and many of the litigants are self-represented. I have been appointed by other judges on the Common Pleas bench to hear other civil matters and provide Magistrate decisions.

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Question 2

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

Before joining the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, I was in private practice where I learned some important lessons that have guided my approach to law ever since. These lessons include: legal representation is costly, every client deserves their attorney's full focus and preparation, and that the practice of law is not easy. This experience and my judicial temperament inform my desire to provide a welcoming court setting for all without losing the proper formality. In addition, my 25 years serving in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas has allowed me to gain a broad range of legal knowledge and learn about the operation of court systems on a larger scale. Throughout my legal career, I have developed relationships with legal public interest organizations, which will also benefit the Shaker Heights Municipal Court. The Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and the Supreme Court of Ohio encourage attorneys to contribute their professional time and effort toward closing the access to justice gap. I have taken this challenge to heart throughout my career. In fact, I am so passionate about this need that I created and now manage the first Court Resource Center in a Common Pleas Court (General Division) in Ohio. The Center provides support and services for self-represented litigants who do not qualify for Legal Aid but are unable to afford an attorney. Since we opened in October 2019 and despite the pandemic, we have served hundreds of litigants.

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Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am running for the Shaker Heights Municipal Court to ensure that access to justice is available for all in the greater community that I have called home for the past 22 years. This position has not been open in 27 years. I have the opportunity to make real and lasting changes to how the court is perceived by those who come before it. I will provide a welcoming and helpful Court. Litigants are entitled to understand the process. This can be accomplished by providing explanations, checklists, and simple-to-understand instructions. The goal should never be to “hide the ball.” I will apply for technology grants to upgrade the docket system and court website so those that come before the court have the information they need. I will collaborate with community stakeholders and law schools to open a Court Resource Center like the one I have opened in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. In order to be transparent, I will make my sentencing information available publicly. This will increase confidence in the court and give me the opportunity to make certain that I treat all who come before the court fairly and equitably. My approach has always been “hands-on,” which is important in a municipal court. My 28 years of legal and life experience provide me with the foundation to make sure that justice for all truly means justice for all in the Shaker Heights Municipal Court.