Candidate Details
- Residence
Akron - Email
steveelliottforjudge@gmail.com - Social Media
facebook.com/SElliottForJudge - Age
50 - Occupation
Chief Magistrate in Summit County Probate Court - Education
BA in Sociology, Bowling Green State University 1992 - 1996, Specialty in Criminology
Juris Doctor University of Akron School of Law 2000 - 2003
- Work Experience
Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court - January 2023 to Present
Magistrate Summit County Probate Court July 2021 - January 2023
Magistrate and Court Investigator Summit County Probate Court October 2018 - July 2021
Ohio Adult Parole Authority December 2016 - October 2018
Practicing Trial Attorney in Summit County 2003 - 2018
Central Intelligence Agency Federal Officer November 1998 - August 2000
Ohio Adult Parole Authority February 1997 - November 1998
- Family
Married with three children - Affiliations
Community Action Akron Summit Board Member
Oriana House Advisory Committee Member
Green Youth Basketball Association Board Member
Summit County Nursing Home Task Force Member
Crisis Intervention Team Lecturer
Lecturer for Akron Bar Association and Ohio Association of Magistrates
Frequent speaker in the community on probate topics
Vice Chair of Akron Bar Association Probate Section
Coach of Ohio Stampede Travel Softball Organization
Prior coach of Ohio Spikes Travel Baseball Organization and many Green youth sports teams
Tallmadge United Methodist Church Staff Parish Relations Committee, Endowment Committee and Finance Committee, prior chair
Member of Harmony Springs Christian Church
- Endorsements
Tri-County Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO;
Tri-County Building & Construction Trades Council;
Communications Workers of America Local 4302;
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 219;
IBEW Local Union #303
Summit County Progressive Democrats
- Bar Association Ratings
Rated “Good” by the Akron Bar Association in 2023 for Barberton Municipal Court Judge Race.
Rated "Good" by the Akron Bar Association in 2024 for 9th District Court of Appeals Judicial Race
Steve Elliott
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
January 2023 to Present - Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court
October 2018 to January 2023 - Magistrate Summit County Probate Court
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersJanuary 2023 to Present - Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court
October 2018 to January 2023 - Magistrate Summit County Probate Court
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
For 15 years as a practicing attorney, I appeared in courts of appeals in Ohio and in criminal and civil matters in trial courts throughout Ohio, California, Missouri, Alabama, and Illinois. As a lawyer I handled commercial and real estate litigation. I also helped families in estate planning and probate law.
In each case, I guided clients through an often-confusing process. An important aspect of legal representation is being able to clearly and concisely communicate orally and in writing. I honed those skills as a practitioner, and my ability to write professional and complete motions, briefs and other documents has prepared me to do the same as a court of appeals judge.
My years of experience as a law enforcement officer led me to analyze and understand people. At the CIA in Langley, Virginia, I oversaw security operations, interviewed people and investigated potential threats to the CIA and the United States, receiving the Exceptional Performance Award in January 2000 for superior accomplishment and valuable service. I served twice as a Parole Officer for the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and left a successful law practice to help parolees successfully re-enter the community. These experiences give me a special perspective on the large percentage of those who will be impacted by my decisions.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersFor 15 years as a practicing attorney, I appeared in courts of appeals in Ohio and in criminal and civil matters in trial courts throughout Ohio, California, Missouri, Alabama, and Illinois. As a lawyer I handled commercial and real estate litigation. I also helped families in estate planning and probate law.
In each case, I guided clients through an often-confusing process. An important aspect of legal representation is being able to clearly and concisely communicate orally and in writing. I honed those skills as a practitioner, and my ability to write professional and complete motions, briefs and other documents has prepared me to do the same as a court of appeals judge.
My years of experience as a law enforcement officer led me to analyze and understand people. At the CIA in Langley, Virginia, I oversaw security operations, interviewed people and investigated potential threats to the CIA and the United States, receiving the Exceptional Performance Award in January 2000 for superior accomplishment and valuable service. I served twice as a Parole Officer for the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and left a successful law practice to help parolees successfully re-enter the community. These experiences give me a special perspective on the large percentage of those who will be impacted by my decisions.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Service to my community informs my entire professional career and personal life. As a judge, I can continue this service. Court of appeals judges have the unique opportunity to ensure that decisions made by trial courts are legally correct so that people are treated equally, and in a fair and consistent manner. The court of appeals sets precedent that must be followed and my experience on the bench has prepared me to make these important decisions.
As a Magistrate in Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer’s Probate Court I have extensive experience dealing with family and complex legal issues that arise after someone dies. I apply the case law and statutes to make fair, just, impartial, and honest decisions that follow the law. This problem-solving experience has prepared me to take the next step in my judicial career.
I still believe that politics has seeped into our Judiciary. I reject that. As a judge, I want to ensure that our judicial system remains above politics and remains fair to all people regardless of political affiliation, race, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. This is extremely important in all courts, and I will work to ensure politics stays out of the court’s decisions.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersService to my community informs my entire professional career and personal life. As a judge, I can continue this service. Court of appeals judges have the unique opportunity to ensure that decisions made by trial courts are legally correct so that people are treated equally, and in a fair and consistent manner. The court of appeals sets precedent that must be followed and my experience on the bench has prepared me to make these important decisions.
As a Magistrate in Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer’s Probate Court I have extensive experience dealing with family and complex legal issues that arise after someone dies. I apply the case law and statutes to make fair, just, impartial, and honest decisions that follow the law. This problem-solving experience has prepared me to take the next step in my judicial career.
I still believe that politics has seeped into our Judiciary. I reject that. As a judge, I want to ensure that our judicial system remains above politics and remains fair to all people regardless of political affiliation, race, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. This is extremely important in all courts, and I will work to ensure politics stays out of the court’s decisions.