Athens Municipal Court Judge Todd L. Grace has officially announced his candidacy for the Ohio Court of Appeals, Fourth District. With years of experience on the bench and a deep commitment to the rule of law, Judge Grace seeks to bring his extensive judicial expertise to the appellate level. His career has been defined by a dedication to fairness, integrity, and public service within the community. During his tenure as Athens Municipal Court Judge, he has presided over thousands of cases, ensuring that justice is served with compassion and efficiency. His campaign focuses on maintaining the independence of the judiciary and providing consistent, thoughtful legal analysis for the citizens of the Fourth District. Judge Grace looks forward to engaging with voters throughout the region to discuss his vision for the Ohio Court of Appeals.

With 24 years of judicial experience, Judge Grace is in his eleventh year as Athens County Municipal Court Judge. Prior to taking the Municipal Court bench, he served for 13 years as a magistrate in Athens County Juvenile Court while maintaining a private law practice in Athens.

During his time on the Athens Municipal Court, Judge Grace has significantly expanded the Court’s diversion programs and modernized court operations through electronic filing and remote appearances. He has also worked to ensure that every person appearing before the Court knows they have been heard.

Judge Grace has a long history as a judicial-education presenter, teaching multiple courses each year at New Judge Orientation and conferences of the Association of Municipal and County Judges of Ohio. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Judicial College, which creates and oversees judicial education for judges across the state. He also serves as co-chair of the Association’s Education Committee and as its secretary.

In addition, Judge Grace has served on Ohio Supreme Court and Ohio Judicial Conference task forces and workgroups addressing bail and bond reform, the Model Bond Schedule, the New Judge Mentoring Program, continuing jury operations, and remote hearings.

Judge Grace earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. He and his wife, Sarah, have four children ranging in age from 13 to 25.