Megan E. Shanahan
For Judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Full Term Beginning 1/15/2023
*Top Vote-Getter in General Election
Candidate Details
- Residence
Cincinnati - Email
judgeshanahan@gmail.com - Website
judgeshanahan.com - Social Media
facebook.com/JudgeShanahan
instagram.com/Judge_Shanahan - Age
49 - Occupation
Judge, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas - Education
Kent State University, Bachelor of Arts (1995)
The University of Cincinnati, College of Law, Juris Doctrate (2000)
- Work Experience
Butler County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor, Appellate division, (2000-2001)
Butler County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor, Felony division, (2001-2005)
Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor, Felony division, (2005-2007)
Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, Supervising Attorney, Felony division, (2007-2011)
City of Mt. Healthy, Assistant City Solicitor, (2005-2011)
Hamilton County Municipal Court, Judge, (2011-2015)
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, Judge, (2015-present)
- Family
Married with two children - Affiliations
St. Mary Hyde Park Catholic Church
Ohio Judicial Conference
Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association
Ohio State Bar Association
Cincinnati Bar Association
SheLeads
Cincinnati West Republican Club
- Endorsements
FOP Queen City Lodge #69
Cincinnati Fire Fighters, Local #48
Hamilton County Republican Party
- Bar Association Ratings
No ratings have been given as of 9/29/22 for this election cycle.
Megan E. Shanahan
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, 2011-2015
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, 2015-Present
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersHamilton County Municipal Court Judge, 2011-2015
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, 2015-Present
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have spent more than two decades in the justice system. Prior to becomming a judge, I worked as an assistant county prosecutor for more than a decade handling every type of criminal case from the lowest misdemeanor to death penalty murder cases. I also handled many civil cases in the prosecutor's office and as a city solicitor for Mt. Healthy. This combined experience gives me a rare insight into the justice system and helps my work as a judge immensely. I am the youngest of 8 children from a working class family. I understand the value of hard work. My background and professional experience has helped me become a firm but fair judge who ensures justice is done.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI have spent more than two decades in the justice system. Prior to becomming a judge, I worked as an assistant county prosecutor for more than a decade handling every type of criminal case from the lowest misdemeanor to death penalty murder cases. I also handled many civil cases in the prosecutor's office and as a city solicitor for Mt. Healthy. This combined experience gives me a rare insight into the justice system and helps my work as a judge immensely. I am the youngest of 8 children from a working class family. I understand the value of hard work. My background and professional experience has helped me become a firm but fair judge who ensures justice is done.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
The most important job of a judge is to ensure justice and protect the community. I intend to continue serving our community in this manner. As a common pleas court judge, I preside over the most serious criminal cases and most complex civil cases. As a judge, I serve as an impartial referee in the courtroom. I conduct myself with a transparent, no-nonsense, plain-spoken approach to every case. I practiced in the Common Pleas Court for more than a decade before taking the bench. I have handled virtually every type of case that is heard at the Common Pleas level. My professional and personal history render me qualified to continue my tenure as a judge on the Common Pleas bench.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersThe most important job of a judge is to ensure justice and protect the community. I intend to continue serving our community in this manner. As a common pleas court judge, I preside over the most serious criminal cases and most complex civil cases. As a judge, I serve as an impartial referee in the courtroom. I conduct myself with a transparent, no-nonsense, plain-spoken approach to every case. I practiced in the Common Pleas Court for more than a decade before taking the bench. I have handled virtually every type of case that is heard at the Common Pleas level. My professional and personal history render me qualified to continue my tenure as a judge on the Common Pleas bench.