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Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Unexpired Term ends 7/1/2027

Responsibilities: To preside at trials of both civil and criminal cases; to supervise the jury commission, grand jury, and other departments of the court. Term of office: 6 years.Additional information about judicial candidates may be available at JudicialVotesCount.org.

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  • Candidate picture

    Elizabeth A. Ellis
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Julia J. Mauk
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

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

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Education 2001 - University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, OH. Juris Doctorate 1999- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Oxford Summer Law Program, Okford, UK 1997 - Denison University, B.A.
Experience Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge - June 2023 - present; Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office - January 2021 - June 2023; Greene County Prosecutor's Office - July 2002 - January 2021; Legal Aid of Western Ohio (f.k.a. WOLSA)- October 2001 - June 2002
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas General Division Judge, 2023 - present
Throughout my 22 years of legal practice, I have appeared in front of numerous judges in many different courts in multiple counties, so I have a wealth of experience from which to draw. I have broad experience in both civil and criminal litigation, so I understand the positions of the parties that appear before me in all matters. I have litigated many of the legal issues in the cases that I hear. My appellate background empowers me to be well-versed in the intricacies of and the changes in the law; it has further enhanced my legal research and writing skills. I have written and filed briefs at the highest levels - the Ohio Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. Lastly, I have served as legal counsel to all divisions of a common pleas court so I understand the legal needs and issues of the office that I hold.
I am running to keep the seat that I presently hold, so that I can continue to serve the people of Montgomery County with honor and integrity. I sought this position because I love living in Montgomery County and I truly care about its citizens. I want every citizen in this community to thrive and feel safe. I do my best every day to provide a forum where people feel heard and are treated with dignity. My record as a judge shows that I treat everyone with respect. I am very hard-working, which enables me to run an efficient docket and make the best use of everyone's time and of tax-payer money. A good judge is unbiased, even-tempered, and fairly applies the law. I strive everyday to apply these principals to all of the lawyers and litigants who appear before me.
Education B.A., Univesity of Dayton J.D., University of Dayton School of Law
Experience Montgomery County Public Defender's Office: trial attorney in both felony and misdemeanor divisions, handling cases at all points from arraignment through jury trial. Misdemeanor Division Manager (6 years), Administrative Manager. Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow at Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc.
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The reputation Julia would bring to the bench is not only shaped by her education and experience in the courtroom, but also by her character of even temperament and respect. Julia has practiced in nearly every courtroom in Montgomery County, and has worked with a multitude of prosecutors and judges over the years. Whether negotiating a plea or preparing a case for trial, Julia stood firm in advocating for her clients, while also approaching opposing counsel and the judge with honesty and integrity. Outside of the courtroom, Julia has served on the Dayton Bar Association’s Grievance Committee for over 7 years, where she has demonstrated the ability to remain impartial, consider the viewpoints of all parties involved, and make informed decisions on action that should be taken.
Montgomery County is Julia’s home. She cares deeply about the community and its well-being, and has spent much of her time and energy doing her part to ensure that it continues to grow and thrive. Whether coordinating driver’s license reinstatement clinics in her role at the Public Defender’s Office, or serving on the boards of House of Bread and Rainbow Elder Care in her free time, Julia has centered servant leadership at the core of all she does.

As a Common Pleas Court Judge, Julia will embody that same spirit with both the individuals appearing in her courtroom and the community as a whole, advocating for accessibility and inclusivity within our court system. The judicial branch serves the people, and the people deserve a Judge that continues to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the citizens of Montgomery County.