Two of the Cincinnati Bar Association’s missions are to promote professional excellence and to educate the public. With the upcoming election, the CBA is actively trying to fulfill the latter mission by providing multiple opportunities outlined below. We are also reminding the community that professional excellence extends to the courthouse and judicial members.
The CBA was informed of a notable increase in the threats of violence, including death threats toward members of our Hamilton County judiciary. This is extremely troubling, and we want our members to be aware of the issue and encourage you to do what you are able to protect our judges and to calm down any actions that may incite these threats. It is your legal responsibility to uphold the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct for yourself and your peers.
It is also your responsibility to vote and become informed on our upcoming elections. On September 18, the CBA is partnering with several organizations and colleges to host a Listening Tour to inform the public about election season. The tour will include panel discussions and breakout sessions to discuss concerns and ideas for increasing trust in our electoral process as well as improving public understanding of democracy and the administration of elections. This event will be held at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
In addition, the CBA will be sending attorney members a confidential, nonpartisan Judicial Survey of the candidates for election of Court of Appeals and Common Pleas. Members have two weeks to take the survey, responding only to questions about candidates with whom they have had contact in the past four years. By taking your time to complete the survey, voters will have more knowledge as they go to the polls. The survey will address administrative diligence, communication skills, community engagement, integrity/impartiality/objectivity, legal experience, and professionalism/temperament.
For more information on the Judicial Survey, please visit the CBA website. The CBA will also be holding judicial forums for candidates in early October with a virtual option. This forum will address important topics from the upcoming election. It’s a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with several candidates and their platforms at one event.
Attorneys have a unique perspective to be able to share their insight into these candidates with the public, which will help ensure the most qualified candidates are elected. I encourage you to complete the survey and participate in the upcoming events to support the CBA’s mission to educate the public.
Whittaker is a partner at Dinsmore and the 2024-2025 CBA president.