Zach Gwin Franklin County Municipal Court

Candidate Details

Residence
Columbus
Email
gwinforjudge@gmail.com
Website
gwinforjudge.com
Social Media
facebook.com/ZachGwinforJudge
instagram.com/gwinforjudge/?hl=en
Age
34
Occupation
Senior Assistant City Attorney
Education
Miami University-BA 2011

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law-JD 2014
Work Experience
During my first years of practice, I focused on criminal prosecution and then criminal defense. As a prosecutor, I represented the City and State in enforcement of misdemeanor offenses within Franklin County. During my time as a criminal defense attorney, I handled misdemeanor offenses throughout Central Ohio, as well as some felonies. I represented both privately retained as well as indigent clients. While in private practice, I also handled civil cases involving education law, personal injury, consumer protection, and medical malpractice.

In my current role with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office, I serve as a community attorney on the west side of the city and serve some of the most under-resourced communities in the state of Ohio. My role is to improve quality of life for residents by bringing actions to close drug houses, holding landlords accountable, and improve housing conditions. I live in the community, and it is important to me to serve neighbors and those whose voice is not always heard. I work with a variety of departments within the City including the Department of Development, Code Enforcement, Building Enforcement, Columbus Public Health, Columbus Division of Police, and the Columbus Division of Fire.
Family
I am married to my wife, Margaret. We have a four year old son, a four month old son, and 6 year old rescue dog.
Affiliations
Franklinton Area Commission-I have been a member of the commission for five years and the vice chair for the past three years.

CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter-Former Advisory Board Member. Also helped found the Voices for CHOICES fundraiser.

Hilltop vs. Franklinton Charity Softball Game-Founder of what is now a yearly charity softball game between residents.

National Night Out-Volunteer

Keep Columbus Beautiful-Volunteer

Upper Arlington Wrestling-Volunteer

Gladden Community House-After-school tutor

End the Violence –Volunteer

Shamrock Club-Member
Endorsements
Franklin County Democratic Party

Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Columbus Building Trades Council

Internation Association of Fire Fighters Local 67

Communication Workers of America Local 4502
Bar Association Ratings
I received a Four-Star rating from the Columbus Bar Association

Zach Gwin

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Non-Incumbent

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Non-Incumbent

Question 2

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

I have nearly a decade of experience in the Court where I am seeking a seat. Nearly the entirety of my career has involved litigation in Franklin County Municipal Court and has been evenly divided between criminal and civil litigation experience. I have tried numerous cases to verdict before judges and juries and I have taken opportunities to broaden my legal knowledge and prepare for this type of role.

I bring a balanced and fresh perspective which includes experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, victim witness advocate, and community attorney. I also bring the experience of having worked, volunteered, and lived in one of the most under-resourced communities in the entire state. I have dedicated myself to the community and can bring this perspective to the bench.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I have spent nearly my entire career in Franklin County Municipal Court and held numerous roles that have prepared me for this position. The Franklin County Municipal Court is truly "The Peoples Court" and I believe this is an important judgeship that provides the opportunity to positively impact the community.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers