Pete Kirner

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Though I have not held a judicial position, I have significant experience in several courts. As I mention in another question in this questionnaire (See question: What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?) my extensive experience “off the bench” is as critical as past judicial experience.

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Question 2

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

I have spent my legal career committed to domestic relations.

I have been in numerous courts and know how to take the best practices of each court, combined with my own ideas, and make the Medina Domestic Relations court run efficiently.

Further, having been a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and a Parenting Coordinator (PC) for many years, I know what is needed in order to protect our children and solve conflict.

I am also the President of the Center for Principled Advocacy where I work with attorneys and other professionals in alternate methods for resolving divorce, parental and other family issues.

Having been involved in thousands of cases, and many different judges and magistrates, I have the experience and knowledge to make the Medina County Domestic Relations Court run smoother and better for the people of Medina County.

In short, my experience “off the bench” qualifies me to be “on the bench” because I have many years of dealing first-hand with people and children in difficult situations. I know what it’s like to untangle unique family transitional times with sensible alternatives.

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Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I feel like I’m uniquely qualified to be the judge in the Medina Domestic Relations court and frankly, I’m the most qualified candidate for the job. My qualifications (See question: What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be judge?) are exactly what the judge for this particular court needs to be.

I have dedicated my career to domestic relations. Focusing on this area of the law gives me a deeper grasp of the subject. So, the natural progression should be to put this depth and breadth of knowledge to work … from the bench.

Also, I don’t want just any judgeship. I want THIS judgeship. Unfortunately, I have seen where many attorneys relish in jumping at the “latest and greatest” judicial position and don’t really try to match their skillset with the judgeship they are seeking. This almost never works well.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to help families, individual adults and children that are going through a very uncomfortable period in their lives. I’ve made this my life’s work and want to continue this work as the next judge for Medina County Domestic Relations Court.

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