Login | April 25, 2025
Judge Scot A. Stevenson discusses his return to the bench
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: May 5, 2023
He began his career as a law clerk at the 9th District Court of Appeals in Akron, now Scot A. Stevenson has returned to the appellate bench as a judge after unseating his Democratic opponent incumbent (now retired) Judge Thomas Teodosio.
Judge Stevenson, who most recently served as chief magistrate at the Summit County Domestic Relations Cour,t started his term on Feb. 9.
“I’m excited about my new role at this court,” said Judge Stevenson, who was sworn in by Summit County Domestic Relations Court Administrative Judge Katarina Cook. “Having been a law clerk here and serving at the trial court level, I appreciate the ability to do a deeper dive into legal issues than is afforded at the trial court level.
“The court of appeals plays a very important function in our justice system since we must write opinions that trial courts and other attorneys can clearly follow when future cases arise involving the same issues.”
In an email, 9th District Court of Appeals Administrative Judge Jennifer Hensal stated, “Judge Stevenson, who previously worked as a clerk at the court of appeals, brings not only a wealth of trial and legal practice experience, but also an immediate understanding of the work of our legal staff.”
Raised in Barberton, Ohio, Judge Stevenson first became interested in becoming a lawyer as a teenager.
“My dad was a claims adjuster and he quietly encouraged my older brother Allan and I to attend law school and serve the public as members of the legal profession,” said Judge Stevenson. “Both of us followed that advice, but we took different career tracks. My brother is an attorney in Detroit.”
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in history and his juris doctorate from The University of Akron, Judge Stevenson was a law clerk to former 9th District Court of Appeals Judge John W. Reece.
He then opened his own law office, initially in Barberton and later in Akron, serving as a sole practitioner for 22 years.
During his time in private practice, he also held several part-time positions, including working as a magistrate at Barberton Municipal Court, a hearing officer for the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, a magistrate at the Cuyahoga Falls Mayor’s Court and a law director for Twinsburg Township.
He was also an adjunct professor at Akron Law and taught courses for the university’s paralegal program.
In 2016, he was appointed to serve as a judge on the Summit County Common Pleas Court by former Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Judge Stevenson filled the seat vacated by Judge Thomas M. Parker, who resigned to become a magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
After losing the election to fill the remainder of Judge Parker’s unexpired term, he was hired by Summit County Domestic Relations Court (now Administrative) Judge Katarina Cook to serve as a full-time trial court magistrate.
In 2021, Judge Cook named him chief magistrate.
“Magistrate Stevenson was well liked and highly respected by those on both sides of the aisle,” said Judge Cook. “He was humble, had an even-keeled demeanor and did a wonderful job hearing and resolving the issues of pro se litigants.
“When I became administrative judge in 2021, I appointed him chief magistrate,” said Judge Cook. “He did an excellent job handling cases and supervising the other magistrates.
“He was very thoughtful to everyone at the court,” she said. “I remember that he would bring doughnuts whenever someone had a birthday or special celebration.
“He will be truly missed by myself, the staff and all of those that appeared before him,” said Judge Cook. “I wish him well in his new position as judge. It’s well deserved.”
A member of the Akron, Lorain County, Medina County and Wayne County bar associations, Judge Stevenson previously served on the board of trustees of the Barberton Public Library and on the board of the Salvation Army in Barberton.
“Due to the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and for the purpose of objectivity, I am no longer involved in any boards that use public funding,” Judge Stevenson said.
Judge Stevenson and his wife Barberton Municipal Clerk of Courts Diana Stevenson have two adult children.
“Before I was at The University of Akron School of Law, I thought about serving the community as a magistrate or a judge,” said Judge Stevenson.
“My brother gave me some books on originalist thinking and legal theory, which gave me a good understanding of the proper role that a judge should play in society. Those books matched my beliefs in the separation of powers learned as a history major and have guided me in my judicial positions.
“I believe it is important to follow the laws passed by our representatives and not overstep to assert your own wishes rather than what’s been enacted.”
Since he’s still new to the court of appeals, Judge Stevenson said he’s focusing on gaining a thorough understanding of the inner workings of the court.
“With the technological changes since I clerked here over 25 years ago, the interaction between the judges and staff and the court and the parties has changed dramatically.
“My main goal is to resolve matters as quickly as possible for the parties involved,” said Judge Stevenson.