Lisa Sadler

Lisa Sadler

Nonpartisan

Prior offices

Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals

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Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

The Ohio State University, 1980

Law

Capital University Law School, 1984

Personal

Birthplace

Columbus, Ohio

Religion

United Methodist

Profession

Judge

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Lisa Sadler was a judge of the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. She assumed office on May 3, 2021. She left office on December 31, 2022.

Sadler (Nonpartisan, Republican Party) ran for re-election for judge of the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. Sadler lost in the general election on November 3, 2020. She advanced from the Republican primary on April 28, 2020.

Sadler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

After Sadler lost re-election to the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals in 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine (R) to another seat on the court for a term beginning on May 3, 2021.

Biography

Lisa Sadler was born in Columbus, Ohio. She attended Miami University for undergraduate study. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 1980. She earned a J.D. from Capital University Law School in 1984. Sadler's career experience includes working as an assistant Columbus city prosecutor and city attorney, as a deputy chief legal counsel with the governor's office, and as a judge with the Franklin County Municipal Court, with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, and with the Tenth District Court of Appeals.

Elections

2022

See also: Ohio intermediate appellate court elections, 2022

Lisa Sadler did not file to run for re-election.

2020

See also: Ohio intermediate appellate court elections, 2020

General election

General election for Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals

Terri Jamison defeated incumbent Lisa Sadler in the general election for Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Terri Jamison (Nonpartisan)	53.3	275,213
		Lisa Sadler (Nonpartisan)	46.7	240,837

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 516,050
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals

Terri Jamison advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals on April 28, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Terri Jamison	100.0	92,843

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 92,843
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals

Incumbent Lisa Sadler advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals on April 28, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lisa Sadler	100.0	28,692

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 28,692
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Sadler's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

2014

See also: Ohio judicial elections, 2014
Sadler ran for re-election to the Tenth District Court of Appeals.
General: She was unopposed in the general election on November 4, 2014.  

2008

Sadler was re-elected to the Tenth District Court of Appeals in November of 2008 to a six-year term, effective until June 30, 2015.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Lisa Sadler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sadler's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Judge Lisa Sadler and I am running for re-election to the Tenth District Court of Appeals.

By way of background, I am a daughter of 2 public school teachers and I was born and raised in Franklin County. I am a product of Westerville public schools where my parents were both teachers and my father was a baseball coach for 27 years. I live with my husband in Gahanna and we have one adult son. I enjoy reading, and love animals, baseball and Ohio State football.

I have been involved in many community activities during my career. I have been a Big Sister in Big Brother/Big Sisters for over 10 years and a member of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center Advisory Board, to name a few. I am a member of the Board of Trustees of Maryhaven - a treatment center helping those with mental illness and addiction disorders.

I am the only woman in Franklin County history to have been elected to the Franklin County Municipal Court, Common Pleas Court and the Court of Appeals. This extensive judicial career provides me with the experience, wisdom and judgment to continue to serve Franklin County as appellate judge.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Equal Justice Under Law
• Equal Access to the Court
• Judicial Experience Matters

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Generally, judges should refrain from commenting on matters of public policy as these issues are likely to come before the court, particularly the intermediary state courts of appeals such as the Tenth District Court of Appeals. However, I am pleased to see the expansion of specialty courts throughout the state of Ohio. Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, Veterans' Courts and CATCH Courts (a court specifically created to work with victims of human trafficking) permit judges to have flexibility in sentencing individuals with special issues. This process encourages participants to learn how to make major lifestyle changes that can permanently end the cycle of destructive behavior.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I learned the importance and power of community through my parents. They were public school teachers who cared about their neighbors, students, fellow teachers and all community members. They taught me that every person deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to reach their full potential. My parents were excellent role models in that they believed in hard work, family, community and being a positive influence in society. I look up to them and strive daily to follow their example.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The "Majesty of the Law," by Sandra Day O'Connor, is an excellent read to understand my judicial philosophy and role models.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, honesty, commitment, and the ability to listen and care about others. In addition to these qualities, a judge must be fair and impartial.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a successful office holder because as judge, I am a dedicated public servant who desires to achieve justice in a timely manner and by applying the law to the particular facts of each case. I am thorough, fair, impartial, and make my decisions without fear or favor. No one is above the law. I have earned the trust and confidence of the public due to the above characteristic.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Diligence, thoughtfulness and attention to detail. An appellate court judge reviews a case to determine if a case has been decided according to law and to ensure that one's constitutional rights have been protected. The judiciary is an independent third branch of government and must decide cases by interpreting and applying the law fairly, impartially and without fear or favor.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy that I would like to leave is that of a dedicated public servant who strived to achieve justice in all her endeavors, and who did so by treating others with dignity and respect. I hope that legacy would include having a positive influence over people and society.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember is the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. I was 7 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job (outside babysitting) was at Epro Tile in Westerville, Ohio. It was a summer job that I held in high school and worked on Saturdays.

What is your favorite book? Why?

One of my favorite books is "The Time Travelers Wife." It is a story about a man who has a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably and the complications that result. It is about a love that transcends time.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be a fictional character, I would be a female Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" - another favorite book of mine.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Happy Birthday song is the last song that got stuck in my head (due to the importance of multiple daily hand washings and coronavirus safety protocols).

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As I mentioned, my parents are my role models. I lost my father in 2006 and I still miss his steady guidance and smile. The hole in my heart has not yet mended.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

It is important to know that while the Tenth District Court of Appeals hears appeals from all the trial courts within Franklin County, it is unique in that it also hears appeals from the Ohio Court of Claims and a variety of administrative agencies and licensing boards such as the Environmental Review Appeals Commission, the Division of Liquor Control and the State Medical Board. The Tenth District Court of Appeals is also unique in that it hears original actions pertaining to rulings of the Industrial Commission involving workers' compensation issues. Because the Ohio Supreme Court takes very few discretionary appeals, courts of appeals are often courts of last resort for many legal disputes.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My role as a judge is to be a neutral arbiter of disputes. A judge's role is to interpret and apply the law to the unique facts in each individual case. While applying the law, I always strive to reach a just and fair decision. It is imperative that equal justice under law is achieved and that all litigants are treated with dignity and respect.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

There are two local former judges that I admire and who are my role models. They are The Honorable Janet E. Jackson and The Honorable Evelyn Lundburg Stratton. They are my role models because they believe in the rule of law and the power of good. They treated all people with dignity and respect and earned the respect of the community.

Judge Jackson and I shared judicial chambers when I first became judge on the Franklin County Municipal Court. As a new judge, I went to her often to seek her advice and counsel. Judge Jackson had a reputation for being firm, but fair, and was known for her compassion for others. I strive to emulate these strengths and am proud to call her a dear friend.

As a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Stratton promoted the importance of specialty dockets and worked tirelessly for the establishment of Mental Health and Veterans' Courts. I believe that specialty courts are the future of the justice system and am proud to have Justice Stratton as a dear friend.

Another former judge that I respect, but do not know personally, is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

Yes. Every time I have been rated by the Columbus Bar Association (CBA) Judicial Screening Committee, I have received the highest rating of "Highly Recommended."

I am proud to have again earned the rating of "Highly Recommended" by the CBA Judicial Screening Committee in this year's election and am the only candidate in my race to do so.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am proud to have served Franklin County as judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals since 2003 and am running for re-election to this seat.

The Tenth District Court of Appeals hears appeals from all divisions of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the Franklin County Municipal Court, the Franklin County Probate Court and the Ohio Court of Claims, as well as numerous state agencies and licensing boards. The Tenth District Court of Appeals also has original jurisdiction over multiple types of extraordinary writs. Because the Supreme Court of Ohio accepts only limited discretionary appeals from appellate courts throughout the state, the Tenth District Court of Appeals is the court of last resort for the vast majority of cases it decides. Therefore, it is important to have the utmost trust and confidence in appellate judges.

I have served Franklin County as a judge for 28 years and have earned the public's trust, respect and confidence. I am the only woman in Franklin County history to have been elected to the Franklin County Municipal Court, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the Tenth District Court of Appeals. I have served as judge on two of the busiest trial courts in the state and bring 10 years of experience as a judge presiding over both serious adult felony cases and complex civil jury trials.

As an appellate judge, my primary role is to review these types of cases and ensure that equal justice under the law was achieved at the trial level. I take this important role very seriously and believe the diversity and breadth of my 28 years of judicial experience provide me with the experience, wisdom and judgment to continue to serve as appellate judge.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?

Having experience in government can benefit a judge, however, I do not believe that having experience in politics is either beneficial or necessary.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

The cost of justice is one of my primary concerns about the legal system today. Trials have become prohibitively expensive and many people cannot afford the process or the lawyers. Our society needs to support and strengthen funds for legal aid, public defenders and other free legal services to ensure access to the courts for all people.

Another primary concern about the Ohio legal system today is the limited use of specialty courts in some counties. Specialty courts prevent "cookie cutter justice" and both permit and encourage judges to address underlying issues to avoid future criminal behavior.

What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?

To ensure equal justice under law.

Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?

I have been encouraged in the past to run for the Ohio Supreme Court, however, I declined that opportunity and have never regretted that decision. I enjoy serving as an appellate judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals and have had the privilege of serving by assignment as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court on more than 10 occasions.

Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?

Yes.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Awards and associations

• Member, Maryhaven Board of Directors
• Member, Women Lawyers of Franklin County
• Member, Commission on Rules of Practice & Procedure
• Member, State Bar Association
• Member, Columbus Bar Association
• Member, The Ohio State University Alumni Association

Columbus Bar Association Judicial Performance Poll

In even numbered years, attorneys in Franklin County evaluate the performance of sitting judges in four categories and overall. Below are Judge Sadler's ratings from 2012:

• Objectivity: 3.9
• Judicial temperament: 4.2
• Legal knowledge: 3.9
• Quality of opinions: 3.9
• Overall: 3.9 - Average overall score of judges in 2012 was 3.9.

See also

2020 Elections

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Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

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Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals

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