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Laura Nesbitt

For Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court
Full Term Beginning 1/9/2022

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Dublin
  • Email
    vote@nesbitt4judge.com
  • Website
    Nesbitt4Judge.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/Nesbitt4Judge
    instagram.com/nesbitt4judge
  • Age
    39
  • Occupation
    Attorney
  • Education

    J.D. from Capital University Law School, Columbus, OH; B.S. from Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH

  • Work Experience

    Private practice since 2008 with cases in practice areas including personal injury, domestic law, criminal law, estate planning, and bankruptcy

  • Family
    Married with 3 children, residing in Dublin, OH
  • Affiliations

    Member of Ohio Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Women Lawyers of Franklin County, Consumer Education Coalition. Volunteer with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus Pro Bono Program. Parishioner of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church.

  • Endorsements

    Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge 9; Highly recommended by Central Ohio Association for Justice 2021 (https://coaj.org/)

  • Bar Association Ratings

    3 Star Rating by Columbus Bar Association 2021 Judicial Candidate Screening (https://www.cbalaw.org/Newsroom/Recent-News/View/ArticleId/10456/2021-Judiciary-Committee-Findings-Announced)

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)


This is my first time running as a judge. I have not yet served on the bench.


Question 2

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?


I have lived in Franklin County for the past 17 years and have practiced law in the Franklin County Municipal Court for the past 14 years. This is my home and where I choose to raise my three children. I have a vested interest in the safety and welfare of the citizens of Franklin County and want to serve my part to ensure that fairness, law, and justice is accessible to all who come before the Franklin County Municipal Court. I also have the professional experience required to serve on the bench. I have tried both civil and criminal cases to a verdict in the Franklin County Municipal Court. This is important because simply knowing how to practice law does not equip a candidate for duty on the bench serving the people of Franklin County. It takes a person with real world knowledge and experience with the court in which she is seeking election to the bench. Finally, a judge must have compassion and common sense. These are not teachable traits but are traits I possess. I care deeply for my community and understand the people and culture in Franklin County. I want to give back with service that makes a positive difference in our community.


Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?


The current sitting judge, whose seat I am seeking election, decided to retire after initially entering this race. I replaced him on the ballot in late June 2021 after being urged by those with working experience of the Franklin County Municipal Court. These concerned voters implored me to step up because the voters of Franklin County need to have a choice to elect an experienced practitioner who has handled both civil and criminal cases in the Court. They knew we needed a candidate who has been a tireless advocate for justice in her career and someone who is driven to work hard and to improve the environment around her. They knew that was me. I am honored that others have recognized my efforts during my career so far in private practice and honored to have this opportunity to run for judge. Still, I did not take the decision lightly because it means I will need to transition from my own practice and away from the clients I currently serve. Since making the decision I have been overwhelmingly assured in my choice to run. So many of my current and past clients have reached out to support me, volunteer for my campaign and even donate to my efforts to be elected to the bench. I have always considered myself a lawyer for the people. Franklin County Municipal Court is the “People's Court” and the opportunity to serve all of the people of Franklin County would be an honor.