Zach Gwin
For Judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Full Term Beginning 1/1/2023
Candidate Details
- Residence
Columbus - Email
gwinzs@gmail.com - Website
gwinforjudge.com - Social Media
facebook.com/ZachGwinforJudge
instagram.com/gwinforjudge - Age
33 - Occupation
Assistant City Attorney - Education
Miami University-Bachelor of Arts (Political Science & Sociology)
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
- Work Experience
During my first years of practice, I focused on criminal prosecution and then criminal defense. As a prosecutor, I represented the City and State in enforcement of misdemeanor offenses within Franklin County. During my time as a criminal defense attorney, I handled misdemeanor offenses throughout Central Ohio, as well as some felonies. I represented both privately retained as well as indigent clients. While in private practice, I also handled civil cases involving education law, personal injury, consumer protection, and medical malpractice.
In my current role with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office, I serve as a community attorney on the west side of the city and serve some of the most under-resourced communities in the state of Ohio. My role is to improve quality of life for residents by bringing actions to close drug houses, holding landlords accountable, and improve housing conditions. I live in the community, and it is important to me to serve neighbors and those whose voice is not always heard. I work with a variety of departments within the City including the Department of Development, Code Enforcement, Building Enforcement, Columbus Public Health, Columbus Division of Police, and the Columbus Division of Fire.
- Family
I'm married to my wife, Margaret, and we have a 3 year old son and 5 year old rescue dog. - Affiliations
Franklinton Area Commission-I have been a member of the commission for five years and the vice chair for the past three years.
CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter-Advisory Board Member. Also helped found the Voices for CHOICES fundraiser.
Hilltop vs. Franklinton Charity Softball Game-Founder of what is now a yearly charity softball game between residents.
National Night Out-Volunteer
Keep Columbus Beautiful-Volunteer
Upper Arlington Wrestling-Volunteer
Gladden Community House-After-school tutor
End the Violence –Volunteer
Shamrock Club-Member
- Endorsements
Franklin County Democratic Party
Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO
United States Senator Sherrod Brown
Communication Workers of America Local 4502
AFSCME, Ohio Council 8
AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1184
Recommended by the Coalition of Labor Union Women
Recommended by A. Phillip Randolph Institute
Zach Gwin
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Non-Incumbent
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Nearly the entirety of my career has involved litigation and has been evenly divided between criminal and civil litigation experience. I have tried numerous cases to verdict before judges and juries and I have taken opportunities to broaden my legal knowledge and prepare for this type of role.
I bring a balanced and fresh perspective which includes experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, victim witness advocate, and community attorney. I also bring the experience of having worked, volunteered, and lived in one of the most under-resourced communities in the entire state. I have dedicated myself to the community and can bring this perspective to the bench.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas covers cases with significant implications in the daily lives of our residents and I view the judiciary as an incredible opportunity to have a positive impact on the community.