Thomas R Wright
For Judge of the Eleventh District Court of Appeals
Full Term Beginning 2/9/2023
Candidate Details
- Residence
WARREN - Email
trwright@ameritech.net - Website
judgetomwright.com - Social Media
facebook.com/judgethomaswright
instagram.com/votejudgewright - Age
58 - Occupation
Presiding Judge Eleventh District Court of Appeals - Education
Kirtland High School 1982; Ohio State University, B.S., Business Adminstration 1986; University of Toledo, College of Law, J.D., with honors 1991.
- Work Experience
Law Clerk for Judge Donald R. Ford Sr. January 1992-May 1995. As a clerk, I primarily researched and wrote draft opinions for the court. Trial Lawyer May 1995-January 2011. In my civil practice, I represented plaintiffs and defendants in the areas of professional malpractice, product liability, and general negligence and insurance coverage. My criminal law practice consisted of misdemeanor and felony defense. I have tried numerous jury trials and was named the 2005-2006 Mahoning County Lawyer of the Year for performing outstanding legal work. February 2011-Present. Judge, Eleventh District Court of Appeals. I currently serve as the Presiding and Administrative Judge. I have also decided cases in the Second, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth District Courts of Appeals as well as the Supreme Court of Ohio by appointment of Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor.
- Family
Mother, three sisters and a brother, 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and 2 great nephews. - Affiliations
I am a member of the Lake, Trumbull, Portage, Ashtabula, and Geauga County Bar Associations; the Ohio State Bar Association; and the Court of Appeals Judges Association.
- Endorsements
Lake, Trumbull, Portage, Geauga, and Ashtabula County Democratic Parties; Lake and Portage County Young Democrats; Niles Democrats.
- Bar Association Ratings
2022- Trumbull County Bar Association PREFERRED CANDIDATE with of 9 out of 10 lawyers preferring me over my opponent; Lake County Bar Association HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with over 90% Favorable. Awaiting Geauga and Portage results.
2016- Trumbull County PREFERRED CANDIDATE; Lake County HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with 96% favorable; Portage County HIGHLY RECOMMENDED; Geauga County HIGHLY RECOMMENDED/RECOMMENDED 92% favorable.
The Ashtabula County Bar does not conduct ratings.
Thomas R Wright
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I was an Acting Judge with the Trumbull County Eastern District Court over the course of several years where I would preside over the docket at the request of Judge Ronald J. Rice. I have served as a Judge with the Eleventh District Court of Appeals for the last twelve years.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI was an Acting Judge with the Trumbull County Eastern District Court over the course of several years where I would preside over the docket at the request of Judge Ronald J. Rice. I have served as a Judge with the Eleventh District Court of Appeals for the last twelve years.
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I practiced for 17 years as a trial lawyer in both the civil and criminal arenas where my peers deemed my legal work to be outstanding.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersMy 17 years as a trial lawyer in both the civil and criminal arena where my peers deemed my legal work to be outstanding.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have served as your appellate judge for the last twelve years and would like to continue my service. My 15 years working with the appellate court as both a law clerk and judge are a benefit to the district. And over the last twelve years the lawyers within the district have consistently held me in high regard.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI have served as your appellate judge for the last twelve years and would like to continue my service. My 15 years working with the appellate court as both a law clerk and judge are a benefit to the district. And over the last twelve years the lawyers within the district have consistently held me in high regard.