Joe McNamara

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Lucas County Common Pleas Court, General Division: 2019 - Present

I have presided over two dozen trials, held numerous hearings and drafted hundreds of pages of written legal opinions. 

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Question 2

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

Voting is one of our most precious rights. Preventing people from becoming disenfranchised is perhaps one of my greatest legal accomplishments during my time as a practicing attorney. In 2004, I was part of a legal team that brought a federal lawsuit against Ohio election officials for failing to follow the Help America Vote Act. This litigation successfully protected the right to vote in Ohio and was an-eye opening experience for me as to why we need judges who understand the importance of the right to vote and will uphold the law.

I am a life-long member of this community and care very much about its future. While I have experience in the private sector, I found myself continually drawn to public service. In addition to serving on many boards over the years, I served on Toledo City Council from 2006 to 2013 and was twice elected President, while maintaining a private law practice. This local legislative experience gives me an excellent perspective on matters that affect every day citizens.

On Council, I drafted or helped pass many pieces of legislation including the Energy Special Improvement District ordinance, the anti-human trafficking ordinance, and an ordinance to decrease the cost of public records requests. As Council President, I maintained order and decorum over a legislative body. I facilitated an environment where everyone was heard, debate was civil and decisions were made.

My private legal practice included a diverse array of clients and matters. I have represented clients in both civil and criminal cases. I have experienced large law-firm life and a solo practice. I also worked as an Assistant Law Director for the City of Toledo and represented the City in various courts including the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the Ohio Supreme Court. I have litigated multi-million dollar disputes as well as matters in small claims. No matter the issue, every case is important to those individuals who come before the court and they deserve to have their matters heard by an impartial judge. My experience has taught me to listen, apply the law fairly and treat everyone with dignity and respect. These are values that I bring to the bench every day.

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Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Serving on the bench these past 6 years has been an honor and a privilege. I am running to retain my seat and continue my service to the community that has given me so much.