Ohio’s newest judges are starting the new year with the tools and knowledge needed to take the bench

A total of 38 judges attended New Judges Orientation, Part I, at the Supreme Court of Ohio. The Judicial College provides the four-day course to help new judges understand their roles and responsibilities and where to access resources and guidance.

After a welcome from Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, the new judges began learning about establishing their personal judicial philosophy, judicial ethics, judicial decision-making, procedural issues, essentials of running a courtroom, and promoting public trust and confidence.

Judge Jason Miller recently began his first term at the Chillicothe Municipal Court. While he has received past judicial appointments to open seats, this is the first time he was elected. He previously spent nearly two decades as a prosecuting attorney, serving in Hardin and Ross counties.

The judge described the orientation as an engaging and valuable experience.

One of the first sessions asked the judges to think about their judicial philosophy and reputation. For Judge Miller, his two teenage daughters came to mind.

“I always want to make sure that when I go home, my kids will be able to look at me with the sense of, that's my dad, and he does the right thing,” he said.

What Judge Miller finds to be the most important quality in a judge is temperament. He described his first case as an elected judge as challenging due to some of the behaviors displayed in the courtroom, and it was his duty to maintain peace among the parties.

“The people who are in this courtroom, this is the most important thing going on in their worlds that day, maybe that year, maybe ever, and they deserve to have comfort in knowing that the person sitting up there not only has the knowledge to handle their case, but also the temperament,” he said.  

During his career, Judge Miller has practiced in courtrooms throughout 22 counties in Ohio.

“The courtrooms that are run the best are the ones run by judges who show their experience,” he said. 

To Judge Miller, that includes the judges who pay attention and let people have their voices heard. It’s a lesson he learned as a Supreme Court-certified mediator.

“That's what the courts are for  — making sure someone is listening,” he explained. “Even if the judge is not deciding in your favor, at least they're listening.” 

One judicial duty that isn’t learned from courtroom observations is human resources. That is a role judges often take on once they take the bench. 

“Some of us have never really managed a staff, maybe one or two here and there, but not a staff that relies on you,” said Judge Miller.

The new judges participated in a “Human Resources: Real World Advice” session taught by Lucas County Common Pleas Court Administrator Timothy Lubbe. Judge Miller said he found that session to be extremely helpful.

The judges learned how to effectively manage employees, why it is important to be consistent in employment decisions, and when and where to get help regarding human resources.

The Judicial College appreciates the Ohio judges from every jurisdiction, along with judicial officers and court staff, who share their expertise as faculty in New Judges Orientation. Their dedication to meaningful education strengthens access to justice, supports the judiciary and the courts, and ultimately benefits people across the state.

Part I of New Judges Orientation concluded in December and continues throughout the year. The judges will engage with their assigned judicial mentors during their first year on the bench, and will reconvene for New Judges Orientation Part II in May.