Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy Elected Administrative and Presiding Judge
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy has been elected by his colleagues to be the next Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Judge Shaughnessy was selected during the regular monthly meeting of the Court’s General Division Judges and the Presiding Judges of the other three divisions (Juvenile, Domestic Relations, Probate). He will begin his two-year term in January, taking over for Judge Brendan J. Sheehan who did not seek re-election after six years as Administrative Judge.
The Administrative Judge is responsible for overseeing Court operations, appointing committees, presiding over the General Division’s docket, and speaking about Court policy. As Presiding Judge, he represents the courts on matters that impact all divisions of the Common Pleas Court.
“It has been my honor to serve on the Court of Common Pleas General Division since 2017,” stated Judge Shaughnessy. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Judges across the various Courts. It is our goal and responsibility to ensure that every individual’s rights are protected and justice is fairly administered to all.”
Judge Shaughnessy received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (now Cleveland State University College of Law) and is a graduate of Cleveland State University.
Prior to taking the Bench, Judge Shaughnessy focused his practice on criminal defense. He represented countless individuals at the local, state, and federal levels. For over a decade, he also served as the municipal prosecutor for the City of South Euclid. Judge Shaughnessy, and his family, have had a storied history with the Justice Center. From his days as a child watching his father, Thomas, practice criminal defense to his employment as a probation officer and bailiff for the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, he has a unique and deep understanding and appreciation for the history and operations of the Court. Judge Shaughnessy has also overseen one of the Court's five Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities dockets.
“I want to thank Judge Sheehan for his leadership over the past six years, especially his steady hand and ability to maintain the Court’s critical operations during the COVID pandemic. I am fortunate to have not only Judge Sheehan, but former Administrative Judges, John J. Russo and Nancy A. Fuerst, who continue to serve on the Court, as colleagues with incredible leadership skills and insight. It is my goal to move the Court forward and hopefully be worthy to stand with our former Administrative Judges who were so widely respected including Judge Richard McMonagle, Nancy R. McDonnell, and, of course, Judge Leo M. Spellacy,” adds Judge Shaughnessy.