Honorable Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands

Judge Rowlands was first elected to the Common Pleas Court in 2008, after 19 years in private practice representing clients in civil and criminal matters nationwide.

Judge Rowlands graduated from Youngstown State University and The University of Akron School of Law. She often describes her educational and career path as a long and meandering road full of interesting twists and turns, each of which provided priceless experience to better serve the community.

In addition to her assigned civil and criminal docket, Judge Rowlands leads an Ohio Supreme Court certified Re-entry Court, providing intensive supervision, support and direction to recently released inmates to promote their law abiding behavior and social and economic productivity.

Judge Rowlands is dedicated to furthering an understanding of the law and related topics. She frequently speaks at community gatherings, as well as to lawyers, judges, journalists, teachers and students to create and advance dialogue on these important issues. She is also active in our community, currently serving on the boards of The Civic Theatre and Gay Community Endowment Fund.

In 2017 and 2018, Judge Rowlands was selected as an International Association of Women Judges’ delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. IAWJ has more than 5,000 members from 82 countries; Judge Rowlands was one of only 20 judges honored to join the delegations. Overcoming barriers to gender equality and access to justice are among her highest priorities. Joining the collective action at the United Nations was instrumental and gratifying; Judge Rowlands always finds tremendous joy in the company of smart, committed women.