Virginia Tallent earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in 2005 and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2009. Her career experience includes working as a government administrator.[1]
Tallent has been affiliated with the following organizations:[2]
Democratic primary for Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas General Division (2 seats)
Virginia Tallent and R. Bernard Mundy advanced from the Democratic primary for Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas General Division on March 19, 2024.
Virginia Tallent completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tallent's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
I’ve spent my career serving the people of Cincinnati. I care deeply about our community and have always focused on finding real solutions to tough problems. Whether it’s fighting for justice, reducing gun violence, or helping those in need, I believe in working together to make our city a better place for everyone.
As the Assistant City Manager for Cincinnati, I work every day on big issues like gun violence and homelessness. I’m support important departments like the 911 Call Center, the Police and Fire Departments, and Human Services. My job is to make sure our city runs smoothly and safely for everyone.
I started my legal career as a legal aid lawyer helping low-income families. I fought hard to keep people in their homes and made sure children with disabilities got the education they deserve. Later, as a city attorney, I took on slum landlords and worked to get rid of blighted buildings, making neighborhoods safer and better for all of us.
One of my proudest achievements is working with the Cincinnati Police Department to fight gun violence. I’ve helped create programs that make our streets safer and ensure that the laws protect everyone in our city.
Before becoming Assistant City Manager, I was the city’s Director of Human Services. In that role, I improved how our city helps the homeless and other vulnerable people. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to make sure everyone has a fair chance to lead a thriving life.
Community-Focused Leadership: As Assistant City Manager, I’ve worked directly with the police and community leaders to tackle critical issues like gun violence and homelessness. My commitment to justice and smart public safety is at the heart of everything I do.
Dedicated Public Servant: Throughout my career, I’ve always put people first. Whether it’s helping vulnerable residents, managing city services, or working to improve our legal system, I’m dedicated to making sure everyone in our community has a fair chance and is treated with respect.
Experienced Legal Advocate: I have over 15 years of experience as a lawyer, fighting for the rights of low-income families, defending tenants, and making neighborhoods safer. My extensive background in legal issues facing the community equips me to make fair and informed decisions as a judge.
1. Public Safety and Gun Violence Prevention: I am committed to making our communities safer by addressing gun violence. I have worked with the police and community stakeholders to develop strategies that reduce violence and will continue to prioritize public safety in all aspects of my work.
2. Access to Justice: Ensuring justice for all, regardless of background, is my passion. Improving the accessibility of the courthouse and my courtroom when elected will be a priority.
3. Equal Justice: I am dedicated to advancing justice in our courts by addressing inequality and ensuring our legal system treats everyone fairly and equitably.
I would recommend “Just Mercy" by attorney Bryan Stevenson to anyone who wants to understand my political philosophy and approach to justice. This powerful book provides a profound exploration of the criminal justice system, highlighting the importance of fairness, compassion, and the fight for equal justice. Stevenson’s work underscores the need to recognize the humanity in every person, regardless of their circumstances, and the critical importance of ensuring that our legal system serves everyone equally.
As a candidate for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, I believe the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official include integrity, fairness, and a commitment to justice. An elected official must possess a deep sense of responsibility to serve the public with honesty and transparency. Fairness is crucial, as every decision should be made without bias, ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law. Additionally, a commitment to justice means upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of all citizens, and making decisions that reflect both legal principles and the values of our community. These qualities are essential for building trust and maintaining the public's confidence in our judicial system.
As a candidate for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, I possess several key qualities that I believe will make me a successful officeholder. My extensive legal experience, which includes defending low-income tenants, advocating for the rights of disabled children, and addressing complex public safety issues as Assistant City Manager, has honed my ability to approach each case with fairness, integrity, and a deep understanding of the law. I am known for my collaborative approach, working with diverse stakeholders to find innovative solutions to the most pressing problems in our community. My dedication to public service, commitment to justice, and ability to listen and make thoughtful, impartial decisions are qualities I will bring to the bench, ensuring that every individual who comes before me is treated with dignity and respect.
1. Upholding the Rule of Law: A common pleas judge must ensure that all cases are decided fairly and according to the law, without bias or influence. The integrity of the judicial system depends on consistent application of the law, maintaining public trust.
2. Ensuring Access to Justice: It is crucial that all individuals, regardless of background, have equal access to the court and that their cases are heard promptly. Judges should be mindful of the needs of underrepresented and vulnerable populations to ensure fairness.
3. Maintaining Integrity and Impartiality: A judge must remain impartial, avoid conflicts of interest, and uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure every person receives a fair hearing. The court should be a place where justice is delivered without prejudice.
4. Efficient Court Administration: Managing a docket effectively to prevent delays is essential. A judge must balance a heavy caseload while giving each case the attention it deserves to ensure that justice is both prompt and thorough.
5. Protecting Constitutional Rights: Safeguarding the rights of all parties involved in legal proceedings, including the right to a fair trial and due process, is a fundamental responsibility of a judge.
6. Community Awareness: While maintaining necessary impartiality, a judge should be aware of the broader social issues affecting the community. Understanding the context of legal issues contributes to more informed and just decisions.
As a candidate for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, the legacy I hope to leave is one of fairness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. I aspire to be remembered as a judge who treated every person who came before the court with dignity and respect, ensuring that every voice was heard and every case was decided impartially. I want to be known for my dedication to making our community safer and stronger by addressing the root causes of crime and working to provide meaningful solutions.
Beyond my professional accomplishments, I hope my legacy reflects the values I instill in my children. I want them to grow up understanding the importance of serving others, standing up for what is right, and working tirelessly to make the world a better place. My children inspire me to strive for excellence every day, and I hope that my work on the bench will set an example for them—and for all young people in our community—that justice, empathy, and service are the cornerstones of a fulfilling and impactful life.
One of the lesser-known but critical aspects of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas is its oversight of magistrates, appointed judicial officers who perform many of the same functions as judges. In Ohio, magistrates handle arraignments, hear motions, and preside over cases in common pleas, domestic relations, juvenile, and municipal courts. While they possess much of the same authority as judges, they can only conduct jury trials if all parties agree. A magistrate’s decision must be adopted by the judge who assigned the case to become final, though some orders can take immediate effect unless challenged.
Additionally, the court plays a vital role in managing the county's jury system. Ensuring that jury pools are diverse and representative of the community is crucial for maintaining the fairness and integrity of the trial process. By carefully managing these responsibilities, the court helps to ensure that every citizen's right to a fair trial is upheld and that the justice system operates equitably for all.
It’s also important to note that all Ohio judges are elected for six-year terms. If a vacancy occurs due to death, resignation, or retirement before the term ends, the governor appoints a replacement until an election can be held. These responsibilities, while not always widely recognized, are essential to maintaining a fair and just legal system. As a judge, I would be committed to upholding these duties with the highest standards of integrity and fairness.
My legal philosophy is rooted in the principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. I believe that a judge’s role is to apply the law impartially, ensuring that every individual who comes before the court is treated with dignity and has their rights fully protected. I am committed to a thorough and thoughtful consideration of the facts and the law in each case, striving to reach decisions that are just and equitable. My approach to the law is informed by my years of experience as a legal aid lawyer, city attorney, and public servant, where I have consistently sought to balance the letter of the law with the realities faced by those most affected by it. I believe in the importance of understanding the broader social context in which legal disputes arise and aim to deliver outcomes that not only resolve the matter at hand but also contribute to the betterment of the community.
As a candidate for judge in Ohio, I am bound by the judicial canon of ethics, and so cannot endorse another candidate. With that caveat, I will say that I am a proud alum of the University of Cincinnati College of Law which has produced many amazing jurists for our community. Go Bearcats!
As a candidate for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, I believe that previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for a judge, but it is not the sole determinant of judicial effectiveness. A judge’s primary responsibility is to apply the law impartially and fairly, and experience in government or politics can provide valuable insights into how laws are created, implemented, and interpreted. This background can help a judge understand the broader context in which legal issues arise, as well as the impact of judicial decisions on the community and government operations.
However, it is equally important for a judge to have a strong legal background, integrity, and a commitment to fairness and justice. My own experience as an attorney, combined with my role as Assistant City Manager where I’ve worked closely with community stakeholders on complex legal and social issues, has equipped me with a well-rounded perspective. This blend of legal expertise and government experience will allow me to approach cases with a deep understanding of the law and its real-world implications, ensuring that I make decisions that are fair, just, and beneficial to the community.
Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police Queen City Lodge # 69, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, Greater Cincinnati UAW CAP Council, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, and Run for Something.
I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of our judicial and governmental systems. Transparency in how public funds are managed and spent is crucial for preventing corruption and ensuring that resources are used effectively to serve the community. As a judge, I would advocate for clear, accessible reporting of financial decisions within the court system and support measures that enhance the public's understanding of how their tax dollars are being utilized.
Accountability in government goes hand in hand with transparency. Elected officials, including judges, must be held to high ethical standards. This means being open about decision-making processes, admitting and correcting mistakes, and always acting in the best interest of the public. For the judiciary, accountability also involves providing clear and reasoned explanations for rulings, ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
In my role as a judge on the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, I would be committed to upholding these principles. I would work to ensure that the court operates in a way that is both transparent and accountable to the public, fostering trust in the judicial system and reinforcing the belief that the court is a place where fairness and justice prevail.
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.
Note: Tallent submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on August 25, 2024.
I am a career long public servant with a track record of centering the needs of community first. The common thread through my work is a passion for achieving solutions to complex social problems. I am a fair, reasonable, and results oriented leader.
In my current role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Cincinnati, I work closely with City residents, and community stakeholders on complex issues and problems – including racial justice, gun violence reduction, and homelessness prevention. I manage high-level operations and strategy for the City’s Human Services work – including management of the 911- Emergency Communications Center, Department of Transportation & Engineering, and Office of Human Services. I also support the City Manager with the operations of the City’s Police and Fire Departments.
I have years of experience supporting our community’s most vulnerable and underrepresented constituents. First as a legal aid lawyer, defending low-income tenants from eviction, and fighting for the rights of disabled children in education law matters. And later, as an attorney for the City of Cincinnati working to eliminate nuisance and blight in our community. My practice included representation in state and federal courts. I also previously served as the City of Cincinnati’s Director of Human Services.
I have a Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law (Cum Laude, 2008), and a B.A. from the University of Missouri (Summa Cum Laude, 2005).
Fostering fairness and efficiency within the court. Equal justice for all is paramount, and I will work to streamline case management processes to ensure timely case resolution when elected.
Supporting the modernization of our court and embracing innovation. I will collaborate with stakeholders when elected to work to make our court more responsive and transparent.
Trust and integrity are foundational to a robust judicial system. Everyone must be treated with dignity and respect at our courthouse.
Justice innovation and transparency- We must modernize our courthouse and bring it into the 21st Century. I am committed to partnering with all stakeholders to bring data and technical innovation to Hamilton County’s court system. I will fight to make the courthouse more responsive and transparent. I believe the public deserves access to information about how our justice system is working, including routine and regular access to sentencing data. Fairness and Efficiency - I am dedicated to fostering fairness and efficiency at our courthouse. My goal is to build a judicial system that provides equal justice for our community in Hamilton County. Efficient case management is essential for the smooth operation of our court.
My 15+ years of diverse public service and work experience as a litigator, administrator, and community leader has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve effectively as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas. I am known as a fair and results oriented leader.
I am running for this particular court seat because of my lifelong commitment to serving the community and addressing complex social issues. The Court of Common Pleas is critically important as it serves as a trial court with general jurisdiction. As the primary trial court in the county, the Court of Common Pleas plays a vital role in administering justice, resolving disputes, protecting rights, and upholding the rule of law within our community. It ensures that individuals have access to fair and impartial hearings, facilitates the resolution of legal conflicts, and safeguards the rights of all parties involved. Additionally, the decisions made in the Court of Common Pleas can have significant and lasting impacts on individuals, families, businesses, and the overall well-being of our society. It is essential to have fair, efficient, and dedicated judges presiding over this court to ensure justice is served effectively and equitably for all residents of Hamilton County.
With my background in public service, litigation, advocacy, and management, I will bring a unique perspective to the bench. Legal Aid lawyers rarely seek judicial office in Ohio's courts - and equal access to our courthouse is a critical issue here in Hamilton County, Ohio. My broad experience in issues such as racial justice, gun violence reduction, public safety, and homelessness prevention, combined with my understanding of Ohio law and systems-change work, positions me to be an effective, insightful, and fair judge in Hamilton County. I am dedicated to achieving meaningful results for all members of our community, regardless of their background.
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.
Note: Tallent submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 24, 2024.
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