Cleveland Law Library Weblog

Andrea Rocco Has Been Appointed as the Acting Clerk of Courts of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, eff. 1/2/13

Today, Andrea Rocco takes office as the acting Clerk of Courts of Cuyahoga County, Ohio. She has been appointed by Cuyahoga County Executive Edward FitzGerald to replace retiring Clerk of Courts Gerald E. Fuerst, who has served the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judges and staff for over 30 years. The Law Library wishes Mr. Fuerst a happy retirement.

Governor Kasich Appoints Bratenahl Mayor's Court Magistrate Janet R. Colaluca to Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court

According to an Ohio Supreme Court press release, Governor John Kasich has appointed Bratenahl Mayor's Court Magistrate Janet R. Colaluca to fill a vacancy at the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court. Magistrate Colaluca will take the seat created by the recent passing of former DR Judge Kathleen O'Malley. Magistrate Colaluca will take office on January 7th. The Magistrate is a 1991 graduate of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. 

Practical Probate Practice CLE Program Will Be Held at the Cleveland Law Library on Friday, November 16, 2012

On Friday, November 16, 2012, the Cleveland Law Library is sponsoring a probate CLE captioned Practical Probate Practice for the Local Practitioner. Because changes are likely coming very soon for estate taxation, William A. Duncan plans to update attendees on the most current legislative developments in this area. Utilizing practice scenarios he commonly encounters in Cuyahoga County’s Probate Court, Bradley Hull IV will then discuss probating estates ranging from a full administration to a release of assets.  Finally, Magistrate Charles T. Brown will explain all of the new changes that the Cuyahoga County Probate Court has implemented to streamline local probate practice, including Local Rule amendments and statutory changes. Those who are interested can find the registration form on our website or register in person on the 4th floor of the Law Library. The program is only $70 for members and will provide 2.5 hours of Ohio continuing legal education.

The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts is Still Looking for a New Chief

I am not sure how long Gerald E. Fuerst has been the Clerk of Court in Cuyahoga County, but the County posted his job on August 15th, and it is still pending. According to the Clerk's employment web site page, the position will remain open until it is filled. The preview of the job shows a salary range of $86,000 - $125,000 and general job requirements. The job responsibilities are also listed and include: being the official record keeper for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas General and Domestic Relations Divisions and the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Appellate District in Ohio; receiving and collecting statutory fees and court ordered fines and costs; calling jurors; maintaining search warrants; expunging records; and other duties.

Ohio Psychological Assn. Honors Dr. Frank R. Ezzo, PhD, ABPP, Cuyahoga County DR Court Director of Family Conciliation Services

The Ohio Psychological Association has honored Dr. Frank R. Ezzo, PhD, ABPP with the 2012 Distinguished Psychologist Award. Dr. Ezzo is the local Director of Family Conciliation Services for the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court. Click here to read the Ohio Supreme Court's news release.

Changes Coming to Local Deposition Practice under Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Rule 13

The Judges of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court recently proposed amendments to Local Rule 13 governing deposition practice. Two of the major changes include limitations on the duration of a deposition and the types of objections that can be raised. The proposed amendments also identify the sources of possible sanctions (Ohio Civil Rules 26(C) and 37), which can include attorney fees. Click here to review the proposed changes. The Court Administrator is accepting comments on the changes until September 10, 2012. Send comments to:

Gregory M. Popovich
Court Administrator
Justice Center - 11th Floor
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113 

Survey Reports that Judges in Ohio Need a Raise

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has just released a survey which shows that judges in Ohio  need a raise. According to NCSC, Ohio Judges have not had a raise since 2008, and they rank in the "bottom half" of judicial salaries nationwide. According to a Columbus Dispatch article which summarized the survey results:

"Ohio Supreme Court justices are paid $141,600 annually, far below California’s $218,237. Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is paid $150,850, less than the average $157,759 for comparable top court judges in other states and well below California’s $228,856.

Ohio appellate judges receive $132,000, common pleas judges $121,350, full-time municipal judges $114,000, and part-time municipal and county court judges $65,650."

See also The Ohio Supreme Court's Press Release.

Ohio Court Funding Task Force To Examine Funding, Alternative Models and Court Futures

The Ohio Supreme Court Task Force on Court Funding has a big job ahead, and it appears that all possible stakeholders are involved. According to a Supreme Court Press Release on March 23rd, Justice O'Connor gave the Task Force the following charges:

"This task force will examine the current structure and the funding of the judicial branch," Chief Justice O’Connor said. "Over your time together, the charge of this task force will be to identify the method and manner by which Ohio courts are funded; determine the long-term efficacy of the current funding models; and review possible alternatives that might provide sustained and consistent funding for Ohio courts."

Ohio Supreme Court Task Force Report Recommends Commercial Dockets for Qualified Courts

The Ohio Supreme Court's pilot commercial docket project is apparently a success. According to a Task Force report issued by the Court, "certain qualified courts can create separate dockets to resolve business-to-business disputes." Locally, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has been participating in the pilot project since 2009 and handling cases which the Supreme Court indicates include "business liquidations, trade secret disputes, non-compete contracts, and shareholder disagreements." Other recommendations from the Task Force report include:

1. Expanding the program to other courts by setting the parameters for which courts can establish commercial dockets.
2. Requiring commercial docket judges to complete additional continuing education requirements.
3. Creating a new Commission on Commercial Dockets to oversee the program.
4. Operating commercial dockets with at least two judges.

New Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice System Will be Fully Open to Public on October 11, 2011

Today marks the last day of business for the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court at its current facility on East 22nd. The Court is in the process of moving into the new Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center (CCJJC) located at 9300 Quincy Ave. in Cleveland, Ohio. The building will be fully open to the public starting on October 11, 2011, but filings will be accepted at the CCJJC beginning on October 3rd, when the court will also begin to hear emergency custody, detention arraignments, adult jail, and civil protection matters at the new facility. For questions, you can call (216) 443-8400 for more information. Click here for a video tour of the new facility.