Diana M Stevenson
Barberton Municipal Court
Unexpired Term Ending Dec. 31, 2025
*Top Vote-Getter in General Election
Candidate Details
- Residence
Barberton - Email
stevensonforjudge@gmail.com - Social Media
facebook.com/keepjudgestevenson - Age
56 - Occupation
Judge - Education
National Center for State Courts, Certified Court Manger 2015; Certfied Court Executivle, 2022
University of Akron-Juris Doctorate 1992
University of Akron-Bachelor of Arts, Economics, 1989
Central-Hower High School
- Work Experience
Barberton Municipal Court, Judge - July 2023 to present
Barberton Municipal Court, Clerk of Court - January 2012 to July 2023
Summit County Probate Court, Magistrate - June 2000 to January 2012
Summit County Prosecutors Office, Assistant Prosecutor - June 1996 to June 2000
Supreme Court of Ohio, Judicial Attorney, Justice Deborah Cook - June 1995 to June 1996
Summit County Probate Court, Judicial Attorney, Judge Bill Spicer - June 1993 to June 1995
Stark County Common Pleas Court, Judge James Gwin, August 1992 to June 1993
University of Akron, Adjunct Professor, Moot Court Coach, 1993-1995
- Family
Married, 2 children - Affiliations
Magic City Kiwanis, member since 2013
Magic Ciry Kiwanis President 2017-2018
Kiwanis International, Lieutenant Governor, Division 16, 2018-2019
Barberton Rotary Member
Barberton Area Community Ministries Volunteer
Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation, Chair
Norton Historical Society Member
- Endorsements
Police Endorsed by Barberton FOP Lodge 13
Police Endorsed by Norton FOP Lodge 119
- Bar Association Ratings
Akron Bar Association Rated "Good"
Diana M Stevenson
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judge, Barberton Municipal Court 2023
Magistrate, Summit County Probate Court 2000 - 2012
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersJudge, Barberton Municipal Court 2023
Magistrate, Summit County Probate Court 2000 - 2012
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Serving as Clerk of the Barberton Municipal Court for 12 years has provided me with a deep understanding of the Barberton Court operations and procedures fostering efficiency and accountability in my position as Judge. This experience has provided me with extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the Court from probable cause, to sentencing, and probation as well as an appreciation of the administrative and procedural aspects of the court which are crucial for the effective functioning of the court.
Further, my tenure as a Judicial Attorney in various courts, including the Supreme Court of Ohio enriched my legal expertise and honed my ability to interpret and apply the law judiciously. This experience exposed me to a wide range of cases and legal issues, enabling me make well-informed, impartial decisions as a Municipal Court Judge.
Finally, complementing these qualifications is my years of dedicated community service which reflect my commitment to my fairness, empathy and the betterment of our community. This experience has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the needs of our community and the concerns of our local residents. Serving the community has given me first-hand perspective on the challenges individuals face when navigating the legal system. This empathy and connection to the community is invaluable in ensuring that the Court is accessible, fair and responsive to the needs of our constituents.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersServing as Clerk of the Barberton Municipal Court for 12 years has provided me with a deep understanding of the Barberton Court operations and procedures fostering efficiency and accountability in my position as Judge. This experience has provided me with extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the Court from probable cause, to sentencing, and probation as well as an appreciation of the administrative and procedural aspects of the court which are crucial for the effective functioning of the court.
Further, my tenure as a Judicial Attorney in various courts, including the Supreme Court of Ohio enriched my legal expertise and honed my ability to interpret and apply the law judiciously. This experience exposed me to a wide range of cases and legal issues, enabling me make well-informed, impartial decisions as a Municipal Court Judge.
Finally, complementing these qualifications is my years of dedicated community service which reflect my commitment to my fairness, empathy and the betterment of our community. This experience has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the needs of our community and the concerns of our local residents. Serving the community has given me first-hand perspective on the challenges individuals face when navigating the legal system. This empathy and connection to the community is invaluable in ensuring that the Court is accessible, fair and responsive to the needs of our constituents.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for the particular court seat because my unique combination of experience, qualifications and deep community ties make me the best candidate to continue serving in my judicial role. As the current judge, I was appointed by the governor to serve out the term and during my time in the position I have gained invaluable insights into the position and the impact on the community.
My long-standing connection to this community has given me a deep understanding into its needs and values. This knowledge of our community has fueled my commitment to ensuring that justice is not only served but also understood and respected by those it most affects.
My qualifications for this seat are solidly grounded. Over the past 12 years I have served the Court as Clerk where I have diligently managed and overseen the various aspects of our court. I have a comprehensive understanding of how the court works and the needs of our community.
My goal in running for this seat is to continue to deliver fair and impartial justice while upholding the values of our community. I am committed to ensuring that our court remains accessible, fair and accountable for all it serves.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI am running for the particular court seat because my unique combination of experience, qualifications and deep community ties make me the best candidate to continue serving in my judicial role. As the current judge, I was appointed by the governor to serve out the term and during my time in the position I have gained invaluable insights into the position and the impact on the community.
My long-standing connection to this community has given me a deep understanding into its needs and values. This knowledge of our community has fueled my commitment to ensuring that justice is not only served but also understood and respected by those it most affects.
My qualifications for this seat are solidly grounded. Over the past 12 years I have served the Court as Clerk where I have diligently managed and overseen the various aspects of our court. I have a comprehensive understanding of how the court works and the needs of our community.
My goal in running for this seat is to continue to deliver fair and impartial justice while upholding the values of our community. I am committed to ensuring that our court remains accessible, fair and accountable for all it serves.