Welcome to the Trumbull County Courthouse Corner – located at the intersection of High Street and Mahoning Avenue in Warren, Ohio, also known as the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas – General Division.
As author A.A. Milne wrote, “You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
We are happy to bring our corner to you – the Courthouse Corner!
Long-time Referee Retires after 32 years of service
By: Magistrate Ashleigh Musick
Magistrate Anthony M. Cornicelli retires on April 28, 2023 after thirty-two years of service at the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas- General Division.
Cornicelli, a lifelong resident of Trumbull County, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati in 1975 where he graduated with honors. In 1979, he attained his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Akron Law School and was admitted to the Ohio Bar the same year. He is also admitted to practice law in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Magistrate Cornicelli is a current member of the Trumbull County Bar Association where he served as President from 1997-1998. He is also a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Association of Magistrates.
Cornicelli began his legal career in the general private practice until his appointment to as the first Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, General Division Referee in 1991. Referee was later re-designated as “Magistrate.” During his time at the Court, Cornicelli was appointed to serve as Court Administrator and has continued to serve the Court in that capacity since 1997 alongside Deputy Assistant Court Administrator, Jodi Camuso.
Cornicelli is best known in the legal community for his role as Court Mediator. Cornicelli pioneered the Court mediation program and has successfully assisted counsel in resolving thousands of cases since its foundation. The Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas General Division celebrates and congratulates Magistrate Cornicelli on his thirty-two years of exemplary service to Trumbull County.
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Hosts District Mock Trial Competition
By: Magistrate Ashleigh Musick
On January 27, 2023, the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas and Trumbull County Bar Association (TCBA) hosted the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education’s High School Mock Trial District Competition.
Each year, Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) releases a case capsule containing the information necessary for teams to develop a case to present at a mock trial. This year, the case is captioned In re S. Khan, which “examines the complexities of school investigations into incidents of misconduct, specifically when the misconduct may have criminal implications [that is] complicated further with the involvement of a school resource officer (SRO).” OCLRE Ohio Mock Trial Case File. Students, after analyzing the facts, had to “determine whether a high school student was in police custody at the time they made incriminating statements, if so, at what point the custodial interrogation began, and whether the student should have been advised of their rights.”
With the assistance of a teacher and a volunteer legal advisor, students had to prepare to argue both sides of the case in a simulated trial. Six teams from Niles McKinley, John F. Kennedy, Hubbard, and Newton Falls competed in two rounds of competition. In order to qualify for regionals, A team had to win both tri
al rounds.
Several Members of the Trumbull County Bar Association volunteered as acting judges for the competition. The volunteer attorneys included Josh Garris, Tracy Timko, Patty Knepp, Judge Samuel Bluedorn, John Chaney, David Shepherd, Tom Nader, Alex Keane, John Martynyszyn, and Kevin Trapp. Attorneys James Lapolla and Matt Ries served as the attorney advisors for JFK and Niles, respectively.
At the end of each session, the volunteer judges were able to offer their feedback to the teams while the scores were tallied. At the end of the competition, Magistrate Jami Bishop, Co-Chair of the TCBA Mock Trial Committee, presented the students and teams with certificates. Individual students were recognized for achieving the highest scores for their performances as witnesses and attorneys. Teams, who won both trial rounds, were announces as qualifiers for the regional competition. Two teams advanced from the District Competition.
This exciting event is a favorite for students and members of the TCBA. Many volunteers return year after year to judge the district competition. If you are licensed attorney who would like to volunteer to participate in the 2024 Mock Trial District Competition, you can contact the Trumbull County Bar Association for more information.
The Regional Mock Trial Competition will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 where 83 teams, including the two teams that qualified at the Trumbull County District Competition will compete to advance to the State Competition. The State Competition will be held at the Ohio State House in Columbus on March 9-11, 2023.
End of Term leaves Big Shoes to Fill
By: Magistrate Ashleigh Musick
After 36 years of service as a Judge of the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas, Judge McKay hung up his robe. December 31, 2022 marked the end of Judge W. Wyatt McKay’s final term on the common pleas bench. He left behind a legacy of renown.
Judge McKay was first elected in 1987. During his service, he was also routinely selected by the remaining sitting common pleas judges to also serve as the Presiding Judge for several terms. Judge McKay presided over many high-profile and complex cases. Regardless of severity or the complexity of the issues, Judge McKay gave every assigned case individualized attention and consideration.
Judge W. Wyatt McKay was and is one of the most well respected individuals to sit on the bench. His wealth of knowledge, his love of learning, and his level of compassion for those who appeared before him made Judge McKay an extraordinary judge.
Such legacy leaves big shoes to fill. Newly elected Judge Sean J. O’Brien said he is ready to take on that challenge and continue to serve Trumbull County. Like his predecessor, Judge O’Brien also worked at the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office where he served as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 1998 to 2010. Judge O’Brien then served three terms as an Ohio State Representative from 2010-2016 before being elected to the Ohio State Senate in 2016.
Judge Sean J. O’Brien was officially sworn in on December 21, 2022 by Judge W. Wyatt McKay. The courtroom was filled to capacity with many people standing against the walls. Judge O’Brien made special mention to many of his family, friends, as well as his new and former colleagues, for their continued support. Judge O’Brien took the bench for the first time on January 4, 2023.
The Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas thanks former Judge W.Wyatt McKay for his service and his commitment to Trumbull County. We look forward to working with Judge Sean O’Brien and wish him the best.
Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice Is Sworn-in, Joining the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Bench
By: Magistrate Ashleigh Musick
On December 12, 2022, The Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas welcomed Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice to the Common Pleas Bench. It was a historical moment as Judge Cynthia Rice is the first woman elected to the General Division, Common Pleas bench in Trumbull County.
Judge Cynthia Rice has had an extraordinary career in public service. After a time in private practice, Judge Cynthia Rice joined the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor and Chief Counsel for the Drug Prosecution Unit. She also served as the courtroom prosecutor assigned to prosecute all criminal cases assigned to Judge W. Wyatt McKay. During her time at the Prosecutor’s Office Judge Rice was named First Assistant Prosecutor in the Criminal Division. She was responsible for overseeing all felony criminal prosecutions. She was trial counsel on major criminal cases, including capital murder, murder, and rape cases. She was later appointed Chief Counsel for the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, Vertical Prosecution Unit. She was responsible for setting up this unit, which was designed to provide multi-jurisdictional prosecution of major drug law violations and in-house counsel for the task force.
Judge Cynthia Rice then served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice, in Youngstown, Ohio in the General Crimes Division, where she prosecuted major felonies, including firearm and drug law violations, cyberstalking and interstate stalking cases, and bank robberies.
Judge Cynthia Rice has served on the Eleventh District Court of Appeals since she was first elected to that bench in November 2002. The Eleventh District Court of Appeals serves five counties- Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, and Trumbull. During her time at the appellate court, Judge Rice was appointed by former Chief Justice Moyer to serve as a visiting judge on the Supreme Court of Ohio and has also served as visiting judge in the Second, Seventh and Ninth Appellate Districts.
Her hard work, dedication, and service during her years of public service and her tenure on the Eleventh District Court of Appeals bench was evident by the widespread support of her peers. Judge Cynthia Rice’s family and friends as well as her colleagues and staff filled Judge Andrew D. Logan’s Courtroom to watch Judge Cynthia Rice take the official oath. Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Lee Brunner also travelled to Trumbull County for the occasion. Many other elected officials were in attendance including but not limited to Trumbull County Sheriff Paul Monroe, the current Common Pleas bench including retired Judge Peter J. Kontos, several appellate court judges who have served alongs
ide Judge Cynthia Rice, several local municipal court and court of common pleas judges, and Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins.
The ceremony began with the opening of the Court by Trumbull County Sheriff Paul Monroe. The procession of judges was signaled with the spirited music of bagpipes performed by Judge W. Wyatt McKay and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins.
Judge Cynthia Rice’s daughters and husband, Common Pleas Judge Ronald J. Rice, joined her as she took the oath. Judge Cynthia Rice spoke to the crowd after officially joining the ranks as a Common Pleas Judge. She extended her thanks for the outpouring of support of those gathered, and spoke briefly about her experience and her hopes for her service on the bench. During her speech, Judge Rice said the “action” is at the common pleas level and she is ready to be on the “front lines.” Judge Cynthia Rice also introduced her staff, which will consist of Bailiff Hally Abruzzi and Court Reporter Maribeth Leonard, who both served retired Judge Peter J. Kontos.
Retired Judge Peter J. Kontos, whose retirement resulted in the vacancy on the Court of Common Pleas now been filled by Judge Cynthia Rice, closed the ceremony. Kontos remarked about the importance of the job as well as the difficulties that judges face as they serve on the bench. He also took the opportunity to speak of the highlights of his career and to thank those in attendance.
The Court of Common Pleas is proud and honored to welcome Judge Cynthia Rice to the Common Pleas bench. The Court of Common Pleas also thanks retired Judge Peter J. Kontos for his service and dedication to the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas bench and wishes him the best in his retirement.
Judge Cynthia Rice will take the bench to preside over pending criminal matters for the first time on December 19, 2022.
Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Receives The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation 2022 Presidential Award
By: Magistrate Ashleigh Musick
On May 10, 2022, Honorable Andrew D. Logan was presented with The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service during the OSBA Annual Meeting of Members at the Ohio State House. This annual award “recognizes attorneys [and judges] who have provided their expertise to serve those most in need and who have made outstanding efforts to increase access to justice in Ohio.” Judge Logan was nominated for and received this prestigious honor for his commitment to increasing access to housing and to justice in our community.
In 2008, Trumbull County experienced a sharp increase in foreclosure actions. Many people lost their homes. These homes, now owned by banks, became vacant. The former residences led to areas ripe for criminal activity and these areas of the community left unattended became were eyesores. The blight caused by the foreclosure wave resulted in individuals displaced from their homes, disgruntled community members, and decreased property values.
In 2009, the federal government introduced the Home Affordable Modification Program (“HAMP”). HAMP was a loan modification program created to assist homeowners and avoid foreclosure. Judge Logan quickly realized that many defendants in foreclosure actions were defending these actions without the assistance of legal counsel, or appearing “pro se.” Pro se litigants are often at a disadvantage in court actions, as many do not have the knowledge of the court operations, court procedures, and the current state of the law. Judge Logan with assistance of Attorney Rachel Nader, Advocacy Director for Community Legal Aid, former Magistrate Beth Ann Aurilio, and many others, created a court mediation program to allow homeowners subject to a foreclosure action to negotiate with the banks and potentially, keep their homes.
In 2019, Community Legal Aid applied for a grant to establish a pro bono clinic to increase their outreach in the community. According to Atty. Nader, Judge Logan has had a crucial and important role in the creation of that pro bono clinic, the Clarence Darrow Clinic, which covers referrals in consumer and housing matters from all courts in Trumbull County.
Community Legal Aid is now partnered with the Trumbull County Bar Association and seven local Trumbull County courts to meet the need of low-income res
idents facing housing and financially related legal issues. Northeast Ohioans who are unable to afford legal counsel and who are facing housing and collection matters can consult with Clarence Darrow Clinic for pro bono legal assistance.
Judge Logan was instrumental in the creation of the Clarence Darrow Clinic, and his unwavering support of Community Legal Aid’s efforts has led to the clinic’s continued success and has kept community members in their homes. The community, including many of his esteemed judicial colleagues, joined in his nomination for this award. The recognition of Judge Logan’s efforts and commitment to increasing access to housing and to justice in his community is well-deserved.
The Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas offers its congratulations to Judge Andrew D. Logan, the recipient of the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s 2022 Presidential Award, and thanks Judge Logan for his continued service in the community.
If you live in Trumbull County and have concerns over housing or debt related issues, or if you are facing an eviction, foreclosure, or consumer/collection lawsuit in a Trumbull County Court, you are encouraged to apply with the Clarence Darrow Clinic. Applicants do not need to have a pending legal action to qualify. For more information regarding the Clarence Darrow Clinic, visit their website at https://www.communitylegalaid.org/darrow.
Electronic Check in Kiosks
By: Magistrate Ashleigh Musick
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court has had to adjust and adapt its procedures to ensure and improve accessibility to the Court. With the use of technology, the Court has continued to enhance its capabilities to increase accessibility and streamline services for maximum efficiency.
The General Division is pleased to offer a new electronic service to those appearing before the Court. In August 2021, the General Division installed several electronic kiosks and television screens in the Courthouse. Attorneys, parties (including self-represented litigants), jurors, prospective jurors, and witnesses can now electronically check-in with the Court on the date of the scheduled hearing and view the daily schedule of cases.
When a person checks-in via the kiosk, the system will automatically notify the Court or Magistrate that the individual is present. This no-contact notification system streamlines cases for more efficient administration of justice while also ensuring the safety of those conducting business inside the Courthouse.
The Court has been conducting significantly less civil hearings in-person due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the use of web-based conferencing platforms. However, the kiosk system has been beneficial even with less foot traffic.
Judge Logan’s Bailiff, Jodi Camuso, is enjoying the kiosks. For her, the kiosk makes the criminal case schedule run smoothly. “I can log in to see who checked in, and by knowing which defendants are available instead of looking for people, it is so convenient,” said Camuso.
These user-friendly kiosks are conveniently placed outside the doors of each of the four General Division courtrooms. The check-in process is simple. If you are a party, attorney, or witness in a criminal or civil case, you simply select “Court Check-in” from the home screen and type in the first three letters of your last name. You can then select your name from the generated list and click the check-in button on the screen. This check-in feature is available for in-person proceedings before the Court of Common Pleas Judges and the General Division magistrates.
There is also a kiosk outside the Jury Commission for jurors to check in. According to the Jury Commission, it has simplified the Juror check-in process. The juror check-in requires a few extra steps. Once you select Juror Sign-in from the home screen, you are prompted for your name and your assigned juror number. In addition to the check-in function, the kiosk also provides the opportunity to notify the Jury Commission that you require a work excuse or an interpreter. There is also an option to inform the commission that you are requesting to be excused from service or to defer your service.
In addition to the kiosks, each Courtroom also has a television screen that displays the daily schedule. On any given day, there could be proceedings occurring in each of the four general division courtrooms in addition to the Magistrate Hearing Room. Judge Kontos’ Bailiff, Hally Abruzzi, has noticed many visitors utilizing the monitors to assist them in locating the right courtroom.
Bailiff Camuso said “[the television screens] also limit contact between court personnel and the public or attorneys” because it has “reduced the number of people asking to see the schedule or if their case is on the schedule for that day.”
While we continue to appreciate the beauty of our historical courthouse, the electronic kiosks are another step forward in modernizing court procedures and increasing court efficiency. The General Division hopes that as the world heals from the COVID-19 pandemic and in-person proceedings increase in frequency, these technological improvements will continue to assist the respective courts in processing their caseload in a swift and efficient manner.
By Magistrate Beth Anne Aurilio
Welcome to e-Filing in the General Division
The General Division is pleased to announce the kick-off of e-filing for the civil docket. Electronic filing, also called “e-filing,” offers attorneys and self-represented litigants the convenience of filing timely complaints and pleadings without leaving the comfort of their home, office, or home-office, as the case may be at this time.
As of September 1, 2020, all new civil complaints and any subsequent filings in pending civil cases will be accepted through the e-filing system only. “E-filing will service attorneys and the public in the most efficient way to process Court documents using modern technology. It has been a goal of the Clerk of Courts office to provide this service and allow it to be as user-friendly as possible,” says Karen Infante Allen, Trumbull County Clerk of Courts.
The e-filing journey in the General Division began more than one year ago with a pilot project for foreclosure case types only. This allowed Court and Clerk staff to familiarize themselves with the e-filing system. “Starting with the foreclosure cases allowed the Court to explore the nuances of the e-filing system without the full brunt of the entire civil caseload. This is a collaborative effort to provide efficient and modern access to the Court system for all civil parties and attorneys,” said Honorable Andrew D. Logan, Administrative Judge of the General Division.
E-filing provides convenience to attorneys filing on behalf of their clients and provides vital access to justice to self-represented litigants. Thanks to grant funding from the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Court established two scanners and computer stations dedicated solely to self-represented litigants or those who need computer access to file their pleadings.
The Clerk and the Court understand the shift to electronic filing will be an adjustment for some practitioners as well as self-represented parties. In August, Allen and Magistrate Beth Aurilio, in cooperation with the Trumbull County Bar Association, offered a free webinar to introduce the e-filing system to potential users. Four sessions were presented via Cisco Webex to registered participants; including judges, attorneys, paralegals and staff. Participants were able to “walk through” the e-filing system in training mode to familiarize themselves with the format. Attorneys earned one hour of continuing legal education credit for their attendance at the seminar.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants may register through the Clerk of Court by calling (330) 675-2557.