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Joy  Kennedy

Joy Kennedy

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas General Division
Full Term Commencing Jan. 10, 2025

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    University Heights
  • Email
    ATTORNEYJOYKENNEDY@GMAIL.COM
  • Social Media
  • Age
    45
  • Occupation
    Magistrate
  • Education

    Hampton University

    Virginia Commonwealth University

    Cleveland State University College of Law

  • Work Experience

    Joy Kennedy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio.  She has worked with vaious populations providing individual and group counseling.  She is trained in mediation and cognitive behavioral treatment modalities.  

    She was a criminal defense attorney for nearly seventeen years, while also managing a private practice. 

    Joy Kennedy currently serves as a Magistrate with the Cleveland Municipal Court. 

  • Family
    Married with children
  • Affiliations

    Member, Ohio Association of Magistrates

    Member, Ohio Black Judges Association

    Member, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association; Ohio State Bar Association; and Norman S. Minor Bar Association

    Member, Black Women’s Political Action Committee, Euclid Democratic Club (Past VicePresident), and University Heights Democratic Club

    Member, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

    Volunteer, Hospice of the Western Reserve

  • Endorsements

    Northsore AFL-CIO

    Iron Workers, Local 17

    Laborers' 310

    Cuyahoga County Endorsed Democrat

  • Bar Association Ratings

    NA

Photo of Joy  Kennedy Joy Kennedy

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Magistrate - Cleveland Municipal Court (2021 - present)

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Magistrate - Cleveland Municipal Court (2021 - present)


Question 2

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

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio.  I have worked with families and children for many years and I am familiar with the needs of the community.  I am also familiar with the resources in the community that can be used for rehabilitative services.  My many years of experience as a social worker are valuable as I desire to serve the legal commmunity with compassion.  I am trained in various treatment modalities, including conflict resolution and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio.  I have worked with families and children for many years and I am familiar with the needs of the community.  I am also familiar with the resources in the community that can be used for rehabilitative services.  My many years of experience as a social worker are valuable as I desire to serve the legal commmunity with compassion.  I am trained in various treatment modalities, including conflict resolution and cognitive behavioral therapy.  


Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am running for this particular seat because Cuyahoga County needs to fill this seat with a person who is experienced, concerned, and compassionate.  I want to be able to use this public servant role as a step in the right direction for those who come before me.  I want to protect the community while preparing those who come before me for a different path.  I want to ensure that justice touches the souls of those who come before me, no matter what their role is within the judicial system.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I am running for this particular seat because Cuyahoga County needs to fill this seat with a person who is experienced, concerned, and compassionate.  I want to be able to use this public servant role as a step in the right direction for those who come before me.  I want to protect the community while preparing those who come before me for a different path.  I want to ensure that justice touches the souls of those who come before me, no matter what their role is within the judicial system.