Candidates
Candidate Profiles
Hon. Jodi Thomas
Candidate for:
Franklin County Municipal Court
Undergraduate Education:
The Ohio State University - Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Legal Education:
Capital University Law School - Juris Doctorate
Legal Experience:
FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE, April 2016 to present
Presiding Judge - Criminal and Traffic Misdemeanors and Civil Docket, April 2016 to present: Oversee criminal, traffic and civil cases. Conduct jury and non-jury trials. Participate on court committees including Probation, Security, and the Specialized Docket Committees. Presiding Judge - h.a.r.t. (Helping Achieve Recovery Together) Program, Jan. 2018 to present Provide leadership over the opiate specific drug court docket. Certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Link participants to treatment, housing, transportation, education, vocational and workforce development resources. Conduct status review hearings using a therapeutic approach. Manage a court team of defense attorneys, prosecutors, probations officers, clinicians and peer support specialists.
Presiding Judge - CATCH Court (Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing), Oct. 2022 to present: Provide leadership over the human trafficking survivor docket. Certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Link participants to treatment, housing, transportation, education, vocational and workforce development resources. Conduct status review hearings using a therapeutic approach. Manage a court team of defense attorneys, prosecutors, probations officers, clinicians and peer support specialists.
FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Attorney Group Leader for the Specialized Dockets, July 2013 to present: Represent indigent clients with cases concerning felony and misdemeanor criminal and traffic offenses that participate in Specialized Dockets: LINC- Mental Health Docket, MAVS- Military and Veterans Program, h.a.r.t- Opiate specific drug court, Recovery Court, CATCH - Human Trafficking Survivor docket. Supervise lawyers and legal interns with the daily dockets and collaborate with staff and agencies on treatment plans.
Attorney - Municipal Division, May 2002 to present: Represent indigent clients with cases concerning misdemeanor criminal and traffic offenses. Practice within a multi-judge court system. Work daily with prosecutors, bailiffs, probation officers and other court personnel. Create legal documents and work product in preparation for jury trials. Research and analyze legal issues.
Attorney Group Leader - Municipal Division, June 2007 to July 2013: Supervise six attorneys on case management, trial preparation and client relations. Assist in the training of new attorneys and legal interns. Maintain my own cases and trial preparation. Supervisor of Legal Intern Program - Municipal Division, June 2006 to June 2007 Assisted in hiring and training legal clerks, developed a training manual for the program, and organized intern work schedules.
Head Legal Intern - Juvenile Division, February 2000 to May 2002: Prepared pleadings, memorandums and other documents regarding cases of abuse, neglect, dependency, and delinquency. Assisted sixteen attorneys and ten social workers. Filed documents in Domestic Court. Interviewed children and families seeking representation. Organized intern work schedules. Drafted a new training manual for the internship program.
Social Work Intern - Juvenile Division, September 1997 to August 1998: Assisted Social Workers in case management. Interviewed clients, conducted home visits and gathered evidence for trial.
Candidate Statement:
(In response to the question, "Please explain why you believe you are qualified for the judicial position for which you are seeking election.")
For the past 23 years, I have worked within the Franklin County Municipal Court, the very court where I now have the honor of serving as a Judge. My career has been dedicated to working with individuals affected by human trafficking, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and veterans' issues. These experiences have uniquely prepared me for the role I hold today. I am committed to continuing to use the tools and insights I've gained to serve this community.
Through my work in specialized dockets, I have seen firsthand the meaningful impact a judge can have, not only in transforming individual lives but also in enhancing public safety. That perspective shapes how I approach each case. I believe in individualized justice; a "one size fits all" approach is not effective in reducing recidivism. I take an active role in researching treatment options, visiting facilities, and utilizing a range of resources to bring a more therapeutic and informed approach to each participant's case. Each day, I work diligently to evaluate cases fairly and to issue sentences that meet both the needs of the individual and the safety concerns of the community. I run an efficient courtroom and prioritize accessibility for attorneys and court staff. In addition, I believe a huge part of my role extends beyond the bench. It involves stepping into the community to educate, listen, and break down the stigma often associated with the justice system. Many people do not fully understand what we do in court or why we do the things we do. This breakdown in understanding can lead to fear, mistrust, or disengagement. By being in the community, including speaking at events, collaborating with local organizations, and making ourselves accessible, judges can help build public trust. I also see this outreach as an opportunity to highlight the important role the community plays in helping people succeed after involvement with the justice system. Courts alone cannot fix the complex issues that bring people into our system.
One of my core values is ensuring that every litigant leaves the courtroom feeling they were treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the outcome. It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Franklin County, and I am seeking to retain my seat this November to continue that service.
Running Against:
(unopposed)