Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Republican attorney Robert J. Patton to the 11th District Court of Appeals serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, and Trumbull counties.
Judge-designee Patton of Willowick, Ohio currently serves as senior litigation counsel for the Northern District of Ohio’s US Attorney. He has been a member of the Willowick City Council since 2005 and has presided over the Wilowick City Council for the past 10 years. Prior to joining the City Council, he worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Patton graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the arts from Cleveland State University in 1990, a master’s degree in the arts from the Cleveland State University in 1993, and a juris doctor from the Cleveland State University College of Law in 1996.
Patton will be taking the seat formerly held by Democratic Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice, who voters elected to the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas. In order to retain the seat for the remainder of the term expiring in February 2027, Patton must win the general election in November 2024. Patton will assume office on June 5th.
The 11th District Court of Appeals consists of five judges who are all elected by popular vote, serving terms of six years.
The court reviews appeals from Municipal and Common Pleas Courts as well as original actions in Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Procedendo, and Quo Warranto.
A panel of three judges, looks over each appeal case, one of whom is chosen at random to write a judgment after going over the case’s record and submitted briefs. Once the judgment has been rendered, the Ohio Supreme Court will hear further appeals.
The Lake County Republican Party applauded Gov. DeWine’s appointment of Patton to the 11th District Court of Appeals.
“Congratulations to Bob Patton for being appointed Judge of the 11th District Court of Appeals,” the Lake County Republican Party said.
Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dale Fellows told The Ohio Star that Patton’s appointment to this position was very popular in Lake County and the announcement thrilled residents.
“I think everybody is thrilled and excited for Bob. It was a very popular appointment in our area from our Governor. His credentials speak for themselves,” Fellows told The Star.
Patton told The Ohio Star that his appointment to the 11th District Court of Appeals by Gov. DeWine is an honor.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime,” Patton told The Star.
Patton’s official swearing in to his new position as Judge of the 11th District Court of Appeals is on June 1st.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Governor Mike DeWine. Photo “Robert Patton” by Court News Ohio. Background Photo “11th District Court of Appeals” by Mary Jane Trapp for the 11th District Court of Appeals.
