Skip Menu
Megan E. Shanahan

Megan E. Shanahan

For Judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Full Term Beginning 1/15/2023

*Top Vote-Getter in General Election

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Cincinnati
  • Email
    judgeshanahan@gmail.com
  • Website
    judgeshanahan.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/JudgeShanahan
    instagram.com/Judge_Shanahan
  • Age
    49
  • Occupation
    Judge, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
  • Education

    Kent State University, Bachelor of Arts (1995)

    The University of Cincinnati, College of Law, Juris Doctrate (2000)

  • Work Experience

    Butler County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor, Appellate division, (2000-2001)

    Butler County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor, Felony division, (2001-2005)

    Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor, Felony division, (2005-2007)

    Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, Supervising Attorney, Felony division, (2007-2011)

    City of Mt. Healthy, Assistant City Solicitor, (2005-2011)

    Hamilton County Municipal Court, Judge, (2011-2015)

    Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, Judge, (2015-present)

  • Family
    Married with two children
  • Affiliations

    St. Mary Hyde Park Catholic Church

    Ohio Judicial Conference

    Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association

    Ohio State Bar Association

    Cincinnati Bar Association

    SheLeads

    Cincinnati West Republican Club

  • Endorsements

    FOP Queen City Lodge #69

    Cincinnati Fire Fighters, Local #48

    Hamilton County Republican Party

  • Bar Association Ratings

    No ratings have been given as of 9/29/22 for this election cycle.

Photo of Megan E. Shanahan Megan E. Shanahan

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, 2011-2015

Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, 2015-Present

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, 2011-2015

Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, 2015-Present


Question 2

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

I have spent more than two decades in the justice system. Prior to becomming a judge, I worked as an assistant county prosecutor for more than a decade handling every type of criminal case from the lowest misdemeanor to death penalty murder cases.  I also handled many civil cases in the prosecutor's office and as a city solicitor for Mt. Healthy.  This combined experience gives me a rare insight into the justice system and helps my work as a judge immensely. I am the youngest of 8 children from a working class family. I understand the value of hard work. My background and professional experience has helped me become a firm but fair judge who ensures justice is done. 

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I have spent more than two decades in the justice system. Prior to becomming a judge, I worked as an assistant county prosecutor for more than a decade handling every type of criminal case from the lowest misdemeanor to death penalty murder cases.  I also handled many civil cases in the prosecutor's office and as a city solicitor for Mt. Healthy.  This combined experience gives me a rare insight into the justice system and helps my work as a judge immensely. I am the youngest of 8 children from a working class family. I understand the value of hard work. My background and professional experience has helped me become a firm but fair judge who ensures justice is done. 


Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

The most important job of a judge is to ensure justice and protect the community. I intend to continue serving our community in this manner.  As a common pleas court judge, I preside over the most serious criminal cases and most complex civil cases. As a judge, I serve as an impartial referee in the courtroom. I conduct myself with a transparent, no-nonsense, plain-spoken approach to every case. I practiced in the Common Pleas Court for more than a decade before taking the bench. I have handled virtually every type of case that is heard at the Common Pleas level. My professional and personal history render me qualified to continue my tenure as a judge on the Common Pleas bench.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

The most important job of a judge is to ensure justice and protect the community. I intend to continue serving our community in this manner.  As a common pleas court judge, I preside over the most serious criminal cases and most complex civil cases. As a judge, I serve as an impartial referee in the courtroom. I conduct myself with a transparent, no-nonsense, plain-spoken approach to every case. I practiced in the Common Pleas Court for more than a decade before taking the bench. I have handled virtually every type of case that is heard at the Common Pleas level. My professional and personal history render me qualified to continue my tenure as a judge on the Common Pleas bench.