December 20, 2011 — Attorney Lisa Swenski, of Simonoff & Swenski, Co., LPA, announced she is running for Lorain County Domestic Relations Judge. With over 11 years' experience as a lawyer and magistrate, Lisa is recognized for her advocacy and dedication to the rights of families and children. As a magistrate she created and implemented procedural changes that provide greater access, justice and fairness for people appearing in juvenile and domestic relations court. Her legal practice has focused on family matters including divorce and dissolution, custody disputes, juvenile delinquency, school law (IDEA litigation for disabled children) and mental health law.

Swenski said, "The Domestic Relations Court is about families and children and doing what is right for them, not the politicians. This position needs to be held by a person who will be a strong advocate of justice for all the residents of Lorain County- a true public servant who will show favoritism to neither women nor men, nor particular attorneys, but who will favor the law and the facts. "

In addition to her professional experiences as a magistrate and lawyer, Lisa's life experiences make her uniquely qualified to be a domestic relations court judge. Her interest in the law began after a brutal murder in her family. Left to help raise two children, Lisa gained insight into the workings of the court system. She became a lawyer to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive justice in a system that is often complicated and difficult to navigate, as well as expensive and time-consuming.

As an Intake Magistrate in the Juvenile Court, Swenski made sweeping changes to protect the rights of children and families including, but not limited to: ensuring children have appropriate legal representation; and, instituting proper legal and juvenile procedures so families understand the legal process.

Lisa 's support of numerous local and national organizations has included: Voices for Children (as a former volunteer GAL and a speaker who helped train advocates to fight for the best interests of children), the Animal Protective League, Operation Smile, Southern Poverty Law Center, the Cleveland National Air Show, NARPA (National Rights Protection & Advocacy group), and the National Rifle Association. Lisa is also a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and has volunteered her skills many times to provide emergency medical assistance to individuals.

Lisa was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio and graduated from St. John's Catholic School. After graduating from Lorain Southview High School, Lisa enlisted in the U.S. Army and as trained as an Intelligence Analyst. Prior to becoming an attorney, Lisa also worked as a corporate investigator and security supervisor for several U.S. government contractors. Lisa is licensed to practice law with Ohio Supreme Court, the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and is a member of the Lorain County and the Ohio State Bar Associations.