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Cornelius J O'Sullivan

Cornelius J O'Sullivan

For Judge of the Eighth District Court of Appeals
Unexpired Term Ending 2/9/2027

Candidate Q&A

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Lakewood
  • Email
    judgecosullivan@gmail.com
  • Website
    judgecosullivan.com
  • Social Media
    m.facebook.com/people/Cornelius-J-OSullivan/100077360042927
  • Age
    59
  • Occupation
    Appellate Judge
  • Education

    St Edward High School 1981

    John Carroll University 1985

    Cleveland-Marshall College of Law 1990 -Law Review

  • Work Experience

    Judge O’Sullivan has more than 30 years of legal experience with over 25 years in civil litigation. He routinely handled large loss matters and has tried over 40 cases as the first chair attorney. His practice areas included catastrophic claims, general commercial liability, wrongful death, construction defect, professional liability, long term care, trucking and UM/UIM litigation.  In 2015 he was named a Premier 100 Trial Attorney by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys. In 2020, Judge O’Sullivan was trained and certified by The Cleveland Mediation Center and became a Professional Mediator.  He is a past-president of the Cleveland Association of Civil Trial Attorneys and was recognized by an international organization, DRI, for his exceptional service. In 2021, Judge O’Sullivan was named to the DRI Construction Law Steering Committee.

    Prior to taking the bench Judge O'Sullivan was a "Partner in Justice" with the Legal Aid Society, and also provided legal services, Pro Bono, to Habitat for Humanity, The City Mission, Special Olympics and The Boy Scouts of America.

  • Family
    Married to Paula (Misencik), 4 sons
  • Affiliations

    Judge O’Sullivan currently serves as Director of the Flock Community Meals in Lakewood, Ohio; an organization that prepares and serves 200 plus fresh hot meals a month at two locations.

    He was a 30-year hockey coach and certified level III by USA Hockey and is a Scout Leader.  

    St. Edward High School Alumni Association-Board of Directors

  • Endorsements

    Laborers Local 310

    Boilermakers Local 744 

    Heat & Frost Insulators Local 3

    Plasterers Local 526

    Brecksville City Council- Daryl Kingston, Brian Stuckey

    Lakewood-Former Councilman Joe Gibbons, Former School Board Member Ed Favre

    Lyndhurst Councilman Joe Gambatese

    Seven Hills Mayor Tony Biasiotta

  • Bar Association Ratings

    Forthcoming

Photo of Cornelius J O'Sullivan Cornelius J O'Sullivan

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, Eighth Judicial District-2021-present

Judicial Staff Attorney to Judge John F. Corrigan, Judge Terrance O'Donnell 1991-1994

Arbitration Chairman, Cuyahoga County, 2002-2021

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, Eighth Judicial District-2021-present

Judicial Staff Attorney to Judge John F. Corrigan, Judge Terrance O'Donnell 1991-1994

Arbitration Chairman, Cuyahoga County, 2002-2021

Question 2

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

I have practiced in the Appellate Courts in Ohio for 30 years. I have appeared in 5 state appellate districts and the Ohio Supreme Court. My extensive trial and litigation experience have prepared me to address any situation in the court. I have experience with both criminal and civil matters and have been honored by multiple bar associations for my outstanding contributions to the profession.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I have practiced in the Appellate Courts in Ohio for 30 years. I have appeared in 5 state appellate districts and the Ohio Supreme Court. My extensive trial and litigation experience have prepared me to address any situation in the court. I have experience with both criminal and civil matters and have been honored by multiple bar associations for my outstanding contributions to the profession.

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

This is my seat; I am running to keep it. I have the honor to serve the people of Cuyahoga County as an appellate judge. The work is rewarding and it affords me the ability to increase access to justice and provide equal justice under the law

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

This is my seat; I am running to keep it. I have the honor to serve the people of Cuyahoga County as an appellate judge. The work is rewarding and it affords me the ability to increase access to justice and provide equal justice under the law.