Jennifer D Towell

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

AKRON MUNICIPAL COURT                                                                                                        Akron, Ohio

Magistrate                                                                                                                    September 2019 - present

·     Forcible Entry and Detainer Magistrate coordinating evictions hearing processes

·     Preside over small claims hearings involving civil law, garnishments and revivors

·     Write decisions, manage extensive civil docket, preside over criminal arraignments and traffic court

·    “Connect” Developmental Disability Court Advisory Board Member

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Question 2

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

As a Navy JAG officer, I Represented Sailors and Marines in Military Courts-Martial (the equivalent of a Civilian Common Pleas Court) and administrative due process hearings. Contested cases included charges of rape, statutory rape, assault, indecent acts with a child, indecent exposure, carrying a concealed weapon, fraud against the government, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, attempted murder, and various military offenses including unauthorized absence, inducing a riot, and fraternization.

Notable outcomes included acquittal on accessory to murder charges, a series of pre-trial motions resulting in dismissal of rape and assault charges in a high-profile Naval Academy case, securing a client's twenty-year retirement with full benefits on appeal, and successfully retaining two senior officers appearing before Boards of Inquiry for separation from active duty due to misconduct.

Physical Evaluation Board, Office of Counsel: Supervise junior attorney and represent over 350 clients at administrative hearings before panel established to determine fitness for duty or disability ratings for injured service members.

As a Naval Officer I received multiple recommendations for accelerated promotion for outstanding performance and service. I also was awared the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon.

While at Brouse McDowell I practiced in the area of corporate litigation. At Brouse McDowell, I represented clients in business and commercial litigation actions, including breach of contract, tortious conduct in the commercial setting, employment litigation, product liability, real estate disputes, insurance recovery actions, and corporate disputes.  

At LexisNexis Applied Discovery I worked with clients throughout the United States on all aspects of Electronic Discovery.

As a Magistrate at the Akron Municipal Court, I have presided over 1,000 eviction hearings, small claims hearings, garnishments, show cause, and mandatory order hearings. Additionally, I have also preside over traffic cases, criminal arraignments, and guilty pleas.

In addition to my legal experience, I bring a unique perspective based on my life experience and community service.   I worked as a Journalist, was the Development Director of Akron Children’s Museum, helped coordinate the summer intern program for Leadership Akron and Torchbearers, been involed with Junior League, United Disability Services, Victory Gala, and served on the PTA’s of my kids schools

Family is very important to me. Family – My husband is from Akron – his family’s business has been around since 1912. we have three children including Tommy, Joey, Lucy and our rescue dog Reese Cup. Our middle son, Joey, was born with Down syndrome and because of many of the challenges he faced, particularly when he was younger, I have been able to connect with so many people throughout the community – therapists, health care workers, parents, other families. 

Joey was the inspiration for me to start the Akron chapter of Buddy Up tennis – a national organization, which provides adaptive tennis to individuals with downs syndrome as well as volunteer opportunities for people in the community.  This program has brought together 100’s of people that have improved the lives of so many people of all ages – children and adults. 

Having a child with Down’s Syndrome made me so much more aware of individuals who don’t have the capacity to understand what is happening to them and no where is that more important than in the justice system where lives are literally at stake.

Many who come before the court are facing challenges – be it because of race, socioeconomic status, veterans, or disability.  As a judge, I will be dedicated to integrity of the court and ensuring everyone who appears before the bench is treated respectfully, fairly and justly. 

My extensive legal and life experiences along with an Excellent rating by the Akron Bar Association are what qualify me to serve Summit County as a judge. 

 

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Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

My felony level trial experience, extensive civil legal experience, magistrate experience, and desire to be the only current female Veteran serving on the judiciary in Summit County are all reasons why I am running for the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. I respectfully request your vote.

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