Achievements
Judge John J. Russo’s positive influence on the judicial system and our community extend far beyond his courtroom. During his distinguished career he has been appointed/elected to serve on a number of boards, commissions, and associations that develop, policies and procedures designed to enhance the administration of justice in Cuyahoga County, the state of Ohio, and the nation.
Judge Russo’s work as an educator and mentor is also shaping the future of the legal profession. In addition to teaching a course in criminal procedure at Cleveland State University College of Law each year, he serves on the faculty of the Ohio Judicial College and the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association. In addition to teaching, he devotes considerable time and energy to mentoring law students and young attorneys.
“The greatest lessons I learned in law came from the grizzled veterans of the business,” Judge Russo recently said. “I hope my students don’t see ME as a grizzled veteran, but I do have decades of experience to share. Being a good attorney is a result of mentor relationships and guidance, and hopefully I can give back a little of what I have received.”
Judicial Leadership Positions
Unanimously elected by his peers to serve six terms as Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: 2014–2019
First Vice-Chair, Ohio Judicial Conference: 2020—2021
Chair, Ohio Judicial Conference: 2024 to present
President, National Association for Presiding Judges Judges and Court Executive Officers (NAPCO): 2015-2016
Chair of NAPCO: 2019 to present
Presiding Judge, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Veterans Treatment Court: 2019—2023
Boards and Commissions
Co-Chair of the of the Ohio Judicial Conference Court Administration Committee
Appointed by Chief Justice of Ohio to serve on:
- The Public Health Committee
- Death Penalty Task Force
- State Bail Bond Reform Task Force
- Board of Commissioners of the Clients Security Fund of Ohio
Past Chair of the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection
Past Chair of the Cuyahoga County Securities Committee
Appointed by National Center for State Courts as Review Board and Committee Person for the Trends in State Court Publication
Past President, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Legal Education Positions
Faculty Member, Ohio Judicial College
Faculty Member, Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association
Faculty Member, National Business Institute
Faculty Member, Adjunct Professor at Cleveland State University
College of Law and St. Edwards High School
Past Chair of the Judicial Education Committee for the Ohio Judicial Conference
Trustee of the Cleveland State University College of Law Alumni Association
Honors/Awards
Inducted into CSU College of Law Hall of Fame in 2018
Named CSU College of Law Alumni of the Year, 2019
Bar Association, Professional Organizations
Ohio State Bar Association
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Bar Association
Westshore Bar Association
Justinian Forum
John Manos Inns of Court
Civic, Community, and Other Activities
CMBA: 3Rs Program with the Cleveland Municipal School District,
Ohio Mock Trial State & Local Competition
Actively involved in St. Raphael Parish and formerly at St. Bernadette Parish
Past President, Legal Eagles St. Edward High School Community