Hamilton County Court of Appeals Judge (District 1) - Term Beginning 2/10/25 Choose 1
Biographical Information
Occupation
Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor
Education
I got my law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. My undergraduate degree came from The Ohio State University.
Experience
I started my law career working as a law clerk for Judge Thomas Crush and after he retired I worked briefly for Judge Ted Winkler and Magistrate Richard Bernat before starting at the prosecutors office.
Political Party Affiliation
Republican Party
What are your qualifications for office? (250 character limit)
I have been a practicing attorney for almost twenty years and have been working in a court room for over twenty years. My experience trying cases and working with other attorneys has prepared me to take on the role of Judge.
If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities? (500 character limit)
My top priority would be a commitment to law and order and upholding the law. This is necessary to make sure our community is safe. It's also important to me to make sure peoples rights are upheld and they are treated fairly. Finally, the one thing I learned from working for Judge Crush was it's important to listen and be respectful when people appear in front of you and be fair.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://judgemarilynzayas.com/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/Vote4JudgeZ/
Twitter
@vote4JudgeZayas
Occupation
Judge, Court of Appeals
Education
● University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. ● CUNY, The City College of New York, B.S. in Computer Science. ● Graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy.
Experience
● Judge at Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals. 2016 – Present. ● Judge by special assignment at Ohio’s Second, Sixth, Tenth, and Eighth District Courts of Appeals. ● Selected by Ohio Supreme Court’s Chief Justice to serve by special assignment on a case at Ohio’s Supreme Court. ● Ohio Supreme Court Board on Character & Fitness, Commissioner. December 2018-February 2022. ● MZD Law, Attorney, Founder. 2000-2016. ● University of Cincinnati College of Law, Adjunct Professor. 1998-2001. ● Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, Trial Counsel. 1998-2001. ● Holland & Hart LLP, Intellectual Property Litigator and Labor & Employment Law. 1997-1998. ● The Procter & Gamble Co., IT Manager. 1988-1994.
Affiliations
● Ohio and Hamilton County Bar Associations ● Ohio Court of Appeals Judges Association ● U.C. College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board ● Board member of Beech Acres Parenting Center ● Past Board member of Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio ● Past Board member of Cincinnati Ballet Board
Political Philosophy
Politics have no role to play in our judiciary. My judicial philosophy is to faithfully apply the law and our constitution equally to all, independent of outside influence or partisan pressure.
Political Party Affiliation
Democratic
What are your qualifications for office? (250 character limit)
I have been an appellate judge for almost 8 years, deciding over 1400 cases. In 2022, I earned an excellent judicial rating from the Cleveland Metropolitan and Norman S. Minor Bar Associations. I practiced law for 20 years and owned my own law firm.
If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities? (500 character limit)
My top priority is to apply the law fairly and consistently, with integrity, independence, and common sense. Public trust and confidence are achieved when decisions are based upon the facts, the law, and our constitution. Ensure cases are timely decided. Continue my partnership with schools, Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders, a program for students to understand our justice system, learn from judges & attorneys and inspire them to dream big. Good Morning America recognized me for my student work.