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Steve  Elliott

Steve Elliott

9th District Court of Appeals
Full Term Commencing Feb. 9, 2025

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Akron
  • Email
    steveelliottforjudge@gmail.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/SElliottForJudge
  • Age
    50
  • Occupation
    Chief Magistrate in Summit County Probate Court
  • Education

    BA in Sociology, Bowling Green State University 1992 - 1996, Specialty in Criminology

    Juris Doctor University of Akron School of Law 2000 - 2003

  • Work Experience

    Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court - January 2023 to Present

    Magistrate Summit County Probate Court July 2021 - January 2023

    Magistrate and Court Investigator Summit County Probate Court October 2018 - July 2021

    Ohio Adult Parole Authority December 2016 - October 2018 

    Practicing Trial Attorney in Summit County 2003 - 2018

    Central Intelligence Agency Federal Officer November 1998 - August 2000

    Ohio Adult Parole Authority February 1997 - November 1998 

  • Family
    Married with three children
  • Affiliations

    Community Action Akron Summit Board Member

    Oriana House Advisory Committee Member

    Green Youth Basketball Association Board Member

    Summit County Nursing Home Task Force Member

    Crisis Intervention Team Lecturer

    Lecturer for Akron Bar Association and Ohio Association of Magistrates

    Frequent speaker in the community on probate topics

    Vice Chair of Akron Bar Association Probate Section

    Coach of Ohio Stampede Travel Softball Organization

    Prior coach of Ohio Spikes Travel Baseball Organization and many Green youth sports teams

    Tallmadge United Methodist Church Staff Parish Relations Committee, Endowment Committee and Finance Committee, prior chair

    Member of Harmony Springs Christian Church

  • Endorsements

    Tri-County Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO;

    Tri-County Building & Construction Trades Council;

    Communications Workers of America Local 4302;

    Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 219;

    IBEW Local Union #303

    Summit County Progressive Democrats

  • Bar Association Ratings

    Rated “Good” by the Akron Bar Association in 2023 for Barberton Municipal Court Judge Race.

    Rated "Good" by the Akron Bar Association in 2024 for 9th District Court of Appeals Judicial Race

Photo of Steve  Elliott Steve Elliott

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

January 2023 to Present - Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court

October 2018 to January 2023 - Magistrate Summit County Probate Court

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

January 2023 to Present - Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court

October 2018 to January 2023 - Magistrate Summit County Probate Court


Question 2

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

For 15 years as a practicing attorney, I appeared in courts of appeals in Ohio and in criminal and civil matters in trial courts throughout Ohio, California, Missouri, Alabama, and Illinois. As a lawyer I handled commercial and real estate litigation. I also helped families in estate planning and probate law.

In each case, I guided clients through an often-confusing process. An important aspect of legal representation is being able to clearly and concisely communicate orally and in writing. I honed those skills as a practitioner, and my ability to write professional and complete motions, briefs and other documents has prepared me to do the same as a court of appeals judge.

My years of experience as a law enforcement officer led me to analyze and understand people. At the CIA in Langley, Virginia, I oversaw security operations, interviewed people and investigated potential threats to the CIA and the United States, receiving the Exceptional Performance Award in January 2000 for superior accomplishment and valuable service. I served twice as a Parole Officer for the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and left a successful law practice to help parolees successfully re-enter the community. These experiences give me a special perspective on the large percentage of those who will be impacted by my decisions.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

For 15 years as a practicing attorney, I appeared in courts of appeals in Ohio and in criminal and civil matters in trial courts throughout Ohio, California, Missouri, Alabama, and Illinois. As a lawyer I handled commercial and real estate litigation. I also helped families in estate planning and probate law.

In each case, I guided clients through an often-confusing process. An important aspect of legal representation is being able to clearly and concisely communicate orally and in writing. I honed those skills as a practitioner, and my ability to write professional and complete motions, briefs and other documents has prepared me to do the same as a court of appeals judge.

My years of experience as a law enforcement officer led me to analyze and understand people. At the CIA in Langley, Virginia, I oversaw security operations, interviewed people and investigated potential threats to the CIA and the United States, receiving the Exceptional Performance Award in January 2000 for superior accomplishment and valuable service. I served twice as a Parole Officer for the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and left a successful law practice to help parolees successfully re-enter the community. These experiences give me a special perspective on the large percentage of those who will be impacted by my decisions.


Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Service to my community informs my entire professional career and personal life. As a judge, I can continue this service. Court of appeals judges have the unique opportunity to ensure that decisions made by trial courts are legally correct so that people are treated equally, and in a fair and consistent manner. The court of appeals sets precedent that must be followed and my experience on the bench has prepared me to make these important decisions.

As a Magistrate in Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer’s Probate Court I have extensive experience dealing with family and complex legal issues that arise after someone dies. I apply the case law and statutes to make fair, just, impartial, and honest decisions that follow the law. This problem-solving experience has prepared me to take the next step in my judicial career.

I still believe that politics has seeped into our Judiciary. I reject that. As a judge, I want to ensure that our judicial system remains above politics and remains fair to all people regardless of political affiliation, race, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. This is extremely important in all courts, and I will work to ensure politics stays out of the court’s decisions.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Service to my community informs my entire professional career and personal life. As a judge, I can continue this service. Court of appeals judges have the unique opportunity to ensure that decisions made by trial courts are legally correct so that people are treated equally, and in a fair and consistent manner. The court of appeals sets precedent that must be followed and my experience on the bench has prepared me to make these important decisions.

As a Magistrate in Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer’s Probate Court I have extensive experience dealing with family and complex legal issues that arise after someone dies. I apply the case law and statutes to make fair, just, impartial, and honest decisions that follow the law. This problem-solving experience has prepared me to take the next step in my judicial career.

I still believe that politics has seeped into our Judiciary. I reject that. As a judge, I want to ensure that our judicial system remains above politics and remains fair to all people regardless of political affiliation, race, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. This is extremely important in all courts, and I will work to ensure politics stays out of the court’s decisions.