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Lori L Olender

Lori L Olender

For Judge of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas General Division
Full Term Beginning 1/4/2023

*Top Vote-Getter in General Election

Candidate Q&A

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Toledo
  • Email
    olenderforjudge@gmail.com
  • Website
    voteolender.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/LoriOlenderforJudge
    hhtp://instagram.com/olenderforjudge
    twitter.com/@olenderforjudge
  • Age
    52
  • Occupation
    Attorney
  • Education

    1988 Graduate Whitmer High School

    1994 Bachelor's Secondary Education University of Toledo

    1996 Juris Doctor University of Toledo 

  • Work Experience

    1993-1997 Public Defender Intern Toledo Municipal Court

    1997-1998 Public Defender Lucas County Juvenile COurt

    1998-2006 Child Victim Prosecutor Lucas County Prosecutor's Office

    January 2007-December 2020 Deputy Chief Prosecutor Juvenile Division Lucas County Prosecutor's Office

  • Family
    Single extremely close extended family
  • Affiliations

    Toledo Bar Association, Lucas County Bar Association, Toledo Women's Bar Association (Past President), Ohio State Bar Association, University of Toledo College of Law Board of Governors, Toledo Women Lawyers History Project, Junior League of Toledo, Sylvania Moose Lodge.

    Former Boards/Organizations: Zepf Center Baord of Directors (past President), YWCA Northwest Ohio, Victim's Forum Board, Sexual Assault Reponse Team, East Toledo Neighborhood Organization, West Toledo Democratic Club, The Matriots

    Volunteer Work: Mom's House, Aurora Project, The Ability Center, Lucas County Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, Connecting Kids to Meals, Don't Skirt the Issue Fundraiser 2017-2019 (2019 Chair), Family House.

  • Endorsements

    Lucas County Democratic Party, Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, Toledo Firefighters Local 92, Plumbers & Stemfitters Local 50, Sheetmetal Workers Local 33, Toledo Port Council, Cement Masons & Plasterers Local 886, Carpenters Local 351, Roofers Local 134, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 8, Communication Workers of America Local 4319

Photo of Lori L Olender Lori L Olender

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

I was elected in November of 2020 to an unexpired term ending January 3, 2023. I took the bench in December 2020. I have been running a full criminal and civil docket since that time.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I was elected in November of 2020 to an unexpired term ending January 3, 2023. I took the bench in December 2020. I have been running a full docket of criminal and civil cases since that time.

Question 2

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

I have worked in the Court system for 29 years. I was both a Public Defender and a Prosecutor. I tried over 60 jury trial in the Court where I know hold a seat. I was also a supervisor of young prosecutors in Juvenile Court, training them to become trial ready for the adult division, again where I am currently seated. Because of my years of experience I am able to make quick decisions on my criminal cases. My time has also brought me the ability to see both sides and remain fair and impartial. My court experience also brings with it the patience and knowledge that comes with working in the system for a significant number of years.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I have worked in the Court system for 29 years. I was both a Public Defender and a Prosecutor. I tried over 60 jury trial in the Court where I know hold a seat. I was also a supervisor of young prosecutors in Juvenile Court, training them to become trial ready for the adult division, again where I am currently seated. Because of my years of experience I am able to make quick decisions on my criminal cases. My time has also brought me the ability to see both sides and remain fair and impartial. My court experience also brings with it the patience and knowledge that comes with working in the system for a significant number of years.

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I have spent my career protecting the citizens of Lucas County. I plan to continue that protection on the bench. At the same time I will protect the rights of all those who appear in front of me and treat everyone with respect. Finally, I will continue to bring efficiency to a docket that has become overwhelmed because of the pandemic. 

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I have spent my career protecting the citizens of Lucas County. I plan to continue that protection on the bench. At the same time I will protect the rights of all those who appear in front of me and treat everyone with respect. Fianlly, I will continue to bring efficiency to a docket that has become overwhelmed because of the pandemic.