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Judicial Votes Count
Mary L Wiseman

Mary L Wiseman

For Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas General Division
Full Term Beginning 1/3/2023

*Top Vote-Getter in General Election

Candidate Q&A

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Dayton
  • Social Media
  • Age
    60
  • Occupation
    Judge, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
  • Education

    J.D., with Honors, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 1988.

    B.S., Ball State University, 1984.

  • Work Experience

    I have served the citizens of Montgomery County as a Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division, since 2007.  Prior to serving as a judge, I practiced law in state and federal courts nationwide.  My law practice focused on civil litigation matters, such as complex commercial litigation.  I also volunteered my professional skills for many area non-profit and philanthropic groups, in addition to pro bono legal services for the economically disadvantaged.  

  • Family
    Married with two great adult kids, two awesome-sauce grandkids, and one super cute rescue dog.
  • Affiliations

    I am a past president of the Dayton Bar Association, the Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court, and the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Program.  I served for many years on the boards of Legal Aid of Western Ohio/Advocates for Basic Legal Equality.  I have taught at the University of Dayton School of Law, as well as at Sinclair Community College.  I have been on the board of numerous groups, such as YWCA Dayton, City of Dayton Commission, Dayton Board of Zoning Appeals, NCCJ, and many others.

  • Endorsements

    n/a.  I am unopposed for re-election and, therefore, did not seek nor receive any endorsements.

  • Bar Association Ratings

    n/a.  Currently, no bar association rating is available for my unopposed re-election.

Photo of Mary L Wiseman Mary L Wiseman

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

2007, Appointed to the Common Pleas bench, Montgomery County General Division.  Elected in 2008.  Re-elected without opposition in 2012 and 2018.  Currently, 15 years total of experience and training as a judge.  Many, many hours of education and training in judicial conduct, ethics, fairness, and substantive/procedural law. 

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

2007, Appointed to the Common Pleas bench, Montgomery County General Division.  Elected in 2008.  Re-elected without opposition in 2012 and 2018.  Currently, 15 years total of experience and training as a judge.

Question 2

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

I have 15 years of exemplary and well-respected experience as a judge.  My many years of private practice experience prior to joining the bench prepared me well to serve as a judge.  My record as a judge shows that I treat everyone with the utmost courtesy, dignity, and respect.  I follow the law, carefully applying its principles to the facts in order to reach just and fair outcomes. My court is on-time, efficient, and effective in resolving cases. I presided for three years over our Women's Therapeutic Court, a specialty court aimed at assisting women in overcoming substance use.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I have 15 years of exemplary and well-respected experience as a judge.  My many years of private practice experience prior to joining the bench prepared me well to serve as a judge.  My record as a judge shows that I treat everyone with the utmost courtesy, dignity, and respect.  I follow the law, carefully applying its principles to the facts in order to reach just and fair outcomes. My court is on-time, efficient, and effective in resolving cases. 

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Serving my fellow citizens of Montgomery County, the lawyers, and the litigants is the highest honor of my career.  I care deeply about the law, our judicial system, and justice. I seek to continue my service so that I can bring my best efforts, each and every day, to the many and diverse cases filed in Montgomery County. It is a privilege and honor to serve, and I do so with the utmost integrity. 

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Serving my fellow citizens of Montgomery County, the lawyers, and the litigants is the highest honor of my career.  I care deeply about the law, our judicial system, and justice. I seek to continue my service so that I can bring my best efforts, each and every day, to the many and diverse cases filed in Montgomery County.