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Megan E Shanahan

Megan E Shanahan

Supreme Court of Ohio
Full Term Commencing Jan. 1, 2025

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Cincinnati
  • Email
    shanahanforohio@gmail.com
  • Website
    shanahanforohio.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/shanahanforohio
    instagram.com/shanahanforohio
  • Age
    51
  • 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

    The Federalist Society

  • Endorsements

    Buckeye Firearms

    The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio

    NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business)

    Ohio Chamber of Commerce

    Ohio Farm Bureau 

    Ohio State Medical Association PAC

    Ohio Right to Life

    Ohio Business Roundtable

    Ohio Society of CPAs

    Ohio Republican Party

Photo of Megan E Shanahan 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 Answers

Hamilton 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 Answers

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. 


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 great state 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. As a common pleas court judge, I have handled virtually every type of case that is heard at the Supreme Court level.

A stable and predictable legal environment is essential to allow Ohio to prosper.  I am a firm believer in following what the law says, not promoting a personal or social agenda.  I will strictly apply the law as it is written and adhere to the plain language of the constitution.  When our Supreme Court follows this approach, a stable, predictable and equitable environment is created for Ohio residents and businesses.  My professional and personal history render me highly qualified to serve as your next Ohio Supreme Court Justice.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

The most important job of a judge is to ensure justice and protect the community. I intend to continue serving our great state 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. As a common pleas court judge, I have handled virtually every type of case that is heard at the Supreme Court level.

A stable and predictable legal environment is essential to allow Ohio to prosper.  I am a firm believer in following what the law says, not promoting a personal or social agenda.  I will strictly apply the law as it is written and adhere to the plain language of the constitution.  When our Supreme Court follows this approach, a stable, predictable and equitable environment is created for Ohio residents and businesses.  My professional and personal history render me highly qualified to serve as your next Ohio Supreme Court Justice.