Megan E Shanahan
Supreme Court of Ohio
Full Term Commencing Jan. 1, 2025
*Top Vote-Getter in General Election
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
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 AnswersHamilton 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 AnswersI 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 AnswersThe 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.