Kara A Leonard Stanford

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Magistrate, Trumbull County Family Court 2019-present

Acting Judge, Niles Municipal Court 2013-2017

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Question 2

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

I had thirteen years of experience practicing law before transitioning into my role as a magistrate.  During that time, I practiced in a variety of areas including family law, criminal defense, civil law, business law, and probate.  I also served as a public defender in Warren Municipal Court during that time.  My legal experience qualifies me to be a judge in the Trumbull County Family Court as I bring knowledge to the bench in both domestic relations and juvenile matters, including the delinquency docket and rehabilitative programs.  Further, domestic relations cases are often intertwined with issues from a variety of practice areas and my diverse background provides insight into the complexities of those cases.  

In addition to my legal experience,  I also obtained my Masters in Business Administration while earning my law degree.  My educational background positions me to not only understand complex financial aspects and business components that can be present within divorce cases, but also how to oversee the administration of the business of the court which includes the juvenile detention center, juvenile probation department, and juvenile clerks office.

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Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

My decision to run for Trumbull County Domestic/Juvenile Judge is rooted in my commitment to serving our community and ensuring justice, fairness, and compassion in our legal system. 

I am passionate about helping children, families, and survivors of abuse.  In my personal life, I have dedicated countless hours volunteering with programs that support children in our community.  I understand the challenges and issues facing our youth because of the first-hand experiences I live each day with my own children and their friends.  I appreciate the complexities and sensitivities of family dynamics going through divorce and co-parenting my own children.  I possess the empathy and deep understanding of issues that is required in family law cases as people deal with some of the most intimate and emotional aspects of their lives.  Helping families who find themselves in difficult situations succeed is my number one priority.

I will work each day to make sure our court helps families and improves our community.  Through proactive outreach and enhancing relationships with community partners, I will implement programs that support rehabilitation, stengthen families, protect children and survivors of abuse, and ensure access to justice.

I believe in listening to litigants appearing before me, treating people with kindness, respect, and dignity, and making fair and thoughtful decisions to postitively shape outcomes for the children and families of Trumbull County.  I envision, and will work tirelessly to ensure, the Trumbull County Family Court is a place where children are protected, families are heard, and justice prevails.

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