Candidate Details
- Residence
Stow - Social Media
- Age
51 - Occupation
Attorney - Education
Firestone HS Honors graduate 1991
Miami University, BS in business, marketing major, MIS minor 1995
Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, JD 1998
Mini MBA Miami University 2021 - Work Experience
Partner at Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP May 2023 through present
Judge Summit County Court of Common Pleas 4/21-1/5/23
Attorney, Law Offices of John S. Steinhauer 2011-2021
Chief Legal Officer, White Hat Management, 2008-2011
Judicial Attorney/Magistrate on an as needed basis, Summit County Court of Common Pleas General
Division 2001-2008Assistant Summit County Prosecutor, Child Support and Dependency, Neglect and Abuse divisions, 1999-2001
- Family
Mother of 2 girls with long time partner of over 20 years - Affiliations
First United Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls
PEO (philanthropic education organization)
Summit County Racism is a Public Health Crisis, Domestic Relations Division representative (ended 1/5/23)
Riverview Elementary PTA
Stow Council PTA
Lakeview Elementary School PTA
Center Stage Dance Studio Parent Association
All About Dance Competition Booster Club, originating member through 6/30/19
Project ECHO through the Ohio Supreme Court
Through the Ohio Judicial Conference, member of the Domestic Relations Judges Committee, the Technology Committee and the Legislative Committee (ended 1/5/23)
Akron Bar Association
Ohio Bar Association
Kappa Delta Sorority
Wilkie Inn of Courts
Scanlon Inn of Courts
Summit County Republican Precinct Committee Person through 3/31/21
- Bar Association Ratings
Akron Bar Association Excellent both 2022 and 2024
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Division 4/21/21 through 1/5/23
Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division as needed Magistrate approximately 2004-2008
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersSummit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Division 4/21/21 through 1/5/23
Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division as needed Magistrate approximately 2004-2008
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have an extensive background in numerous areas of law. As a domestic relations judge, I was required to deal with complex litigation, division of assets, debts as well as companies, stocks, bonds and real estate. I was also required to analyze the overarching circumstances to determine what is in the best interest of children in dealing with custody issues. My business degree and mini MBA as well as my position as CLO make me uniquely qualified as I understand the nuances and intricacies present.
As the CLO, I also worked with non-profit entities, dealt with human resources matters including EEO investigations, created policies and procedures, drafted proposed legislation, coordinated all aspects of litigation, analyzed new legislation and contracts, maintained compliance with applicable state and federal laws, engaged in contract negotiations and litigation settlements and collaborated with various stakeholders. My experience as an assistant prosecutor prepared me for the complexities present in child support calculations as well as how to protect the best interests of children during extremely difficult and emotional circumstances.
During my time as a judicial attorney and magistrate I drafted orders, decisions, civil and criminal jury instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms and ghost wrote opinions on a regular basis concerning a multitude of areas of law including a specialization in foreclosures, asbestos cases and high profile cases or highly complex litigation. I mediated settlements in cases, heard emergency motions, presided over numerous motions including preliminary injunction hearings. Additionally, I presided over a vast majority of the civil protection stalking cases from 2004-2008. I also served successfully as a bailiff and judicial attorney while preforming my magistrate duties. All of these positions gave me experience and perspective that I would bring to the bench and help me in successfully executing the responsibilities of my job as Judge.
Abbreviated Candidate Answers
I have an extensive background in numerous areas of law. My business degree and mini MBA as well as my position as CLO make me uniquely qualified as I understand the nuances and intricacies present.
As the CLO, I also worked with non-profit entities, dealt with human resources matters including EEO investigations, created policies and procedures, drafted proposed legislation, coordinated all aspects of litigation, analyzed new legislation and contracts, maintained compliance with applicable state and federal laws, engaged in contract negotiations and litigation settlements and collaborated with various stakeholders. My experience as an assistant prosecutor prepared me for the complexities present in child support calculations as well as how to protect the best interests of children during extremely difficult and emotional circumstances.
During my time as a judicial attorney and magistrate I drafted orders, decisions, civil and criminal jury instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms and ghost wrote opinions on a regular basis concerning a multitude of areas of law including a specialization in foreclosures, asbestos cases and high profile cases or highly complex litigation. I mediated settlements in cases, heard emergency motions, presided over numerous motions including preliminary injunction hearings. Additionally, I presided over a vast majority of the civil protection stalking cases from 2004-2008. I also served successfully as a bailiff and judicial attorney while preforming my magistrate duties. All of these positions gave me experience and perspective that I would bring to the bench and help me in successfully executing the responsibilities of my job as Judge.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I believe that I have the appropriate experience to succeed as a Judge in the General Division. I believe in making fair, firm decisions according to the law while maintaining dignity, having compassion and empathy, and reaching best possible decision given the set of circumstances. I believe I would be a good fit for the Summit County Court of Common Pleas General Division Court.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI believe that I have the appropriate experience to succeed as a Judge in the General Division. I believe in making fair, firm decisions according to the law while maintaining dignity, having compassion and empathy, and reaching best possible decision given the set of circumstances. I believe I would be a good fit for the Summit County Court of Common Pleas General Division Court.