As part of the last oral arguments of the year, Judge Robert Montgomery of the Fifth District Court of Appeals heard a case as an assigned judge on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Recalling his early days working summer jobs between classes to his years serving as a county probate judge, he said the opportunity to serve on the state’s highest court was an incredible honor.

Judge Montgomery heard Dornette v. Green Building Consulting and Redknot Holdings, Case No. 2025-1637. This case considered who is responsible for the payment of attorney fees when there is a breach of settlement. He sat for Justice Joseph T. Deters, who recused himself from the case. The Ohio Constitution allows the chief justice to appoint an appellate judge to hear a case when there is a recusal.

Getting Into Law
Judge Montgomery chose a career in law after taking a class on the “Perspectives of American Law” as an undergraduate at Bowling Green State University. He found the course fascinating and decided to learn more by applying to law school. He graduated from Capital University Law School and was elected as a Franklin County probate judge after 10 years of litigating in private practice. He served on the Franklin County Probate Court from 2011 to 2021 and was elected to his current position as an appellate judge in 2024.

Judge Montgomery attributes his strong work ethic to a summer job he had in college: a door-to-door salesman for Electrolux vacuum cleaners. The commission-based work taught him invaluable interpersonal skills.

“I learned a lot about people and how to overcome objections with that job that laid the foundation for future opportunities,” he said.

The skills he gained as an entrepreneur led him to begin a wireless cable company while attending law school. The company quickly grew to more than 200 employees spread across 12 offices.  

Making a Difference Inside and Outside of Court
During his first time serving as a judge, he started a program that began Ohio’s first public guardianship. Instead of appointing private attorneys to act as guardians, a public board was established to select people to serve as guardians when no other adult was appropriate. The effort inspired similar programs in counties throughout Ohio and led to him receiving a national award and several statewide awards.

Outside of court, Judge Montgomery owns farms in southeast Ohio and is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying camping, fishing, archery, and bowhunting. Recently, he completed building two log cabins from the ground up, which he found to be a compelling challenge.

To Aspiring Lawyers
For students interested in a career in law, Judge Montgomery encouraged taking risks, especially if they enjoy helping people and solving problems.

“Go for it,” he said. “The opportunities along the way are sometimes unexpected and always priceless.”