Matt Kunsman Licking County Court of Common Pleas General Division

Candidate Details

Residence
Newark
Email
kunsmanforjudge@gmail.com
Website
kunsmanforjudge.com
Social Media
facebook.com/kunsmanforjudge
instagram.com/kunsmanforjudge
Age
49
Occupation
Magistrate
Education
Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio - May 2003

Juris Doctor; Order of the Curia, Order of the Barristers

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio - December 1999

Bachelor of the Arts – Journalism
Work Experience
Licking County Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relations Division, Newark, Ohio

Magistrate - November 2020 – Present

Fisher, Skrobot & Sheraw, LLC, Columbus, Ohio

Associate Attorney - June 2015 – September 2020

Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio

Adjunct Professor/Faculty - February 2020 – Present

Morrow, Gordon & Byrd, Ltd., Newark, Ohio

Member/Partner; Attorney - January 2009 – June 2015

License to Practice Law - State of Ohio, United States District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio
Family
Married with one child.
Affiliations
Licking County Bar Association - President-Elect

Ohio Center for Law-Related Education - Mock Trial Judge

Licking County Governmental Preservation Society - Vice-President

National Business Insitute - Faculty

Buckeye Firearms Association - Member since May 2017

National Rifle Association - Member since August 2015

The Federalist Society - Member

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Newark Lodge #391 - Member

Newark Maennerchor - Member

St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church, Granville, Ohio - Member
Endorsements
Licking County Fraternal Order of Police

Licking County Republican Party

U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson

Matt Dole, Licking County Republican Party Chairman

Pat Tiberi, Former U.S. Congressman

Cheri Hottinger, Commissioner, Ohio Industrial Commission

Tim Schaffer, Ohio State Senator

Kevin Miller, Ohio State Representative

Thad Claggett, Ohio State Representative

Rick Black, Licking County Commissioner

Tim Bubb, Licking County Commissioner

Duane Flowers, Licking County Commissioner

Jenny Wells, Licking County Prosecutor

Tricia Moore, Newark City Prosecutor

Roy Van Atta, Licking County Treasurer

Bryan Long, Licking County Recorder

Jeff Hall, Newark City Mayor

Ryan Bubb, Newark City Auditor

Jeff Harris, Newark City Council President

Michael Houser, Newark City Council 1st Ward

Beth Bline, Newark City Council 2nd Ward

Jeff Rath, Newark City Council 3rd Ward

Jonathan Lang, Newark City Council 5th Ward

Doug Marmie, Newark City Council 6th Ward

Dustin Neely, Newark City Council At-Large

Bradley J. Chute, Newark City Council At-Large

Gary Burkholder, Etna Township Trustee

Jennifer Rath, President, Licking County Republican Women

Andrea Chapman, Hebron Village Council

Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce

Matt Kunsman

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Not a current sitting judge.

Magistrate - Licking County Common Pleas Court since 2020.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Not a current sitting judge.

Magistrate - Licking County Common Pleas Court since 2020.

Question 2

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

I am passionate about the principles this Country was founded upon and upholding the law, the Constitution, and the rights of the people. My entire legal career has been in litigation and courtroom practice. I have extensive experience working with law enforcement, prosecutors, case workers, social service agencies, and the public. I am able to communicate complex concepts to individuals with diverse economic and social backgrounds including clients, litigants, colleagues, business owners, community leaders, attorneys, and judges.

During my practice, I managed daily caseload of over 100 client files including maintaining client contact, frequent shifting of focus between matters, and prioritizing numerous ongoing projects to deadlines with efficiency and attention to detail. As a result of this work, I have extensive experience managing my docket as well as performing legal research and drafting.

I've tried over 170 cases to verdict before various courts and agencies in multiple jurisdictions including oral argument before the Ohio Supreme Court (In re OHIOTELNET.COM, Inc. v. Windstream Ohio, Inc., Case No. 2012-0027). In addition, I've led formal mediation and informal negotiations in over 350 cases to successful resolution. I also share my experience by actively mentoring newly licensed attorneys, high school students interested in pursuing a career in the law, and newly appointed magistrates.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

The most pressing issue facing the Licking County Common Pleas Judge position is ensuring justice for victims while effectively managing the criminal justice system. The current judicial approach has led to concerns that repeat offenders are cycling through the system and that victim's rights are not adequately protected.

I am running for Licking County Common Pleas Judge because I believe our community deserves a judge who is tough on crime and protects the rights of victims. As a conservative Republican, my commitment to conservative values and the Constitution drives my desire to bring accountability and integrity to the courtroom. With over 20 years of legal experience, including my current role as a Magistrate, I am dedicated to making fair, principled decisions and upholding the law as it is written, rather than allowing personal policy views to influence rulings. Our county's safety and adherence to conservative principles are my top priorities, and I am ready to step up to ensure our justice system serves everyone effectively and fairly.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers