The Honorable Judy L. Hunter

Judge Judy Hunter graduated from Ohio State University and later earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from The University of Akron School of Law. From 1978 to 1990, Judge Hunter worked in the private sector engaged in the general practice of law. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Judge Hunter taught school. Past public service includes serving as elected Clerk of the Akron Municipal Court from 1991 to 1995.

On April 26, 2003, Judge Hunter was appointed by Governor Bob Taft to the General Division of the Summit County Common Pleas Court, was elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. Judge Hunter served as the Administrative Judge of the General Division from October 2011 through December 2012. Since January 2012, she has also managed a Re-Entry Court caseload.  She is one of the four Summit County Common Pleas Court Judges to participate in the ReEntry Court Program for convicted felons. This program is dedicated to helping individuals returning from prison make a successful transition back into society by addressing issues of employment, housing, and substance abuse. Judge Hunter's past judicial service includes a term as Judge on Summit County's Juvenile Court from 1996 to 2002.

Judge Hunter is active in the community, having served on many boards and committees, including serving as President of the Board of Trustees of The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio. Judge Hunter belongs to various professional organizations including the American, Ohio, and Akron Bar Associations and the Ohio Association of Common Pleas Judges. She has been a frequent speaker at educational forums and community events.

Special awards include the Community Health Center's 1999 Friend of the Field Award, the 2002 Urban Light Award from the Department of Public Administration at the University of Akron, and a January 2000 award from the Better Business Bureau for "vision and innovative leadership in establishing the most successful conflict resolution mediation program in Summit County".