Jeffrey D. Johnson Joins the Cleveland Municipal Court

The Honorable Jeffrey D. Johnson was sworn in as a Cleveland Municipal Court judge on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in the City Hall Rotunda.  Judge Johnson was born in Cleveland and graduated from Collinwood High School in 1976. He earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications from Kent State University, a master's degree in political science from Case Western Reserve University, and a juris doctor from Case Western Reserve University. His legal career includes working as an attorney and mediator in the Office of the Cleveland Prosecutor. Judge Johnson served on the Cleveland City Council and the Ohio Senate and most recently worked in the Cleveland Housing Court as a magistrate and court administrator. Click here to read full bio.

Sydney Strickland Saffold Joins the Cleveland Municipal Court

The Honorable Sydney Strickland Saffold  was sworn in as a Cleveland Municipal Court judge on Thursday, January 18, 2024 in the Old County Courthouse Rotunda. 

Judge Syndey Strickland Saffold began her as a public defender in on Indigent Defense Clinic and later gained experience in the civil arena working for a local law firm handling employment discrimination cases. She then started her own law firm, Saffold Law, LLC and has tried cases ranging from homicides to low level felonies and misdemeanors in enumerable cities and counties throughout Northeast Ohio.

Prior to becoming a judge, she served as a magistrate in the Cleveland Housing Court, an experience that has affirmed in her that she has the compassion, patience, understanding and temperament that it takes to be a good judge.  Click here to read full bio.

Bridget M. O'Brien Joins the Cleveland Municipal Court

The Honorable Bridget M. O'Brien was sworn in as a Cleveland Municipal Court judge on Thursday, February 29, 2024 in the Old County Courthouse Rotunda. 

Judge O’Brien began her legal career as a law clerk with the Cleveland Legal Aid Society and is thrilled to return to direct service to the community in her capacity as a municipal judge. Judge O’Brien brings a unique perspective to the bench based on over 20 years of diverse legal experience prior to joining the Court. (click here for Judge O'Brien's full bio). 

“I am honored to serve a court that has a direct impact on my community and one that is a problem-solving court,” she said.  Judge O’Brien and her husband Matt are proud residents of Cleveland for over 20 years.  Together, they are raising three children who keep them humble and grateful.