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
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.
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.
