Judge Julia L. Dorrian of the Tenth District Court of Appeals is grateful for her opportunity to hear a case at the Supreme Court of Ohio.

“It is an honor to sit on the Supreme Court, and I appreciate Chief Justice Kennedy and all the justices welcoming me here to serve,” said Judge Dorrian.

Judge Dorrian heard In the matter of the application of Moraine Wind LLC, Case No. 2024-0098. The case involved an appeal from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio about whether energy from out-of-state wind farms was deliverable into the state of Ohio. Justice Jennifer Brunner recused herself from the case, and the Ohio Constitution allows the chief justice to appoint an appellate judge to hear a case when there is a recusal.

Push Toward Public Service
Coming from a long line of public servants, Judge Dorrian was certain of her interest in a career serving the public. Her family members who held elected positions, such as city auditor and county commissioner, and who have been firefighters set a “wonderful example,” she said.

Judge Dorrian’s interest in the law didn’t occur until later, after she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame. For two years, she lived and volunteered in Santiago, Chile, during the country’s transition to democracy after years of dictatorship.

“I saw firsthand the important role lawyers played in protecting human rights and re-establishing Chile’s democratic institutions, including the court system,” recalled Judge Dorrian.

After returning to Ohio, she applied to law school.

Legal Career
After graduating from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Judge Dorrian worked as an attorney in Columbus. In 2004, she began a seven-year tenure as a trial judge on the Franklin County Municipal Court.

While Judge Dorrian has now served 14 years on the Tenth District Court of Appeals, she highly values her time and experience as a trial judge.

“It reminds me of the people – plaintiffs, defendants, victims, families – behind every brief and transcript that I read when I review cases” she said. “It also reminds me of the difficult decisions trial judges make.”

Dedication to Education and Justice
Judge Dorrian’s commitment to the legal profession extends beyond the courtroom.

She is a faculty member and advisor for the Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College. Since 2014, she has taught newly elected and appointed judges who are making the leap to the appellate bench during the biannual New Judges Orientation. Judge Dorrian also serves as a judicial mentor for new judges.

“The truth is, I learn a lot from the new judges too,” she noted.

She is currently head of a Judicial College subcommittee reviewing curriculum for new appellate judges. Her involvement in advancing the education of Ohio’s judges works to “build confidence in the judiciary,” she said.

Judge Dorrian noted the importance as a judge of doing research and carefully listening to both sides to ensure due process is afforded to all who seek justice. She emphasized that working in the judiciary is about people.

“I am ever mindful that the decisions my colleagues and I make as judges significantly impact the lives of not only the parties standing before us, but also many Ohioans today and in the future,” she said. “I am humbled by this responsibility and take it very seriously.”