Latoya Maley seeks Hamilton County Common Pleas judgeship Nov. 3

Latoya S. Maley is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division, in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Robert A. Goering.

Asked why she is seeking the bench, Maley said in our candidate questionnaire that she believes "the bench needs to have individuals from the community who understand the realities faced by the people they serve and who will approach each case with fairness, integrity, compassion, and respect for the law."

She is a first-time candidate.

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: "I have worked in the Hamilton County Courts for more than 13 years. I began my legal career as a legal intern with the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. After becoming licensed to practice law, I served as a trial attorney with the Hamilton County Public Defender's Office, representing members of this community for more than 8½ years in both Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas. For nearly four years, I have presided as a Magistrate in Juvenile Court, where I hear cases involving youth and their families," Maley said in our questionnaire.

Education: "As a Cincinnati Public Schools alumnus and graduate of Withrow High School, I have deep roots in the community I seek to serve. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Kentucky University and my J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law."

Family: "Proud mother of both little boys and pups."

Previous elected or appointed office: "None. I am a first time candidate running for a Judicial seat in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas."

Family in politics or government: "No."

Party affiliation: "I have been endorsed by the Hamilton County Democratic Party."

Experience and public service

Maley is a magistrate at Hamilton County Juvenile Court. Asked how that experience would carry over to the felony and civil cases in the General Division, she said in our questionnaire: "Serving as a Magistrate in Juvenile Court has strengthened my judicial temperament and the importance of making thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions because those decisions can have a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and the community."

On the issues

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates? "Prior to serving on the bench as a Magistrate, I spent several years working as a trial attorney for the Public Defender's Office in Hamilton County. In that role, I represented thousands of people in this community and tried hundreds of cases, including jury trials, in both Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas," Maley said in our questionnaire.

What change would you make to reduce delays or improve fairness in Common Pleas Court? "I believe that I currently operate a very efficient docket, and I would bring those practices to the Hamilton County Courts to reduce delays and improve fairness. Specifically, I would continue to use technology, scheduling orders, and stagger dockets as I do now."

Best advice ever shared with you: "Treat all people with respect because people will remember how you treated them."