CUYAHOGA PROBATE COURT

Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo
Administrative Judge and Ex-Officio Clerk of Court

Judge Anthony J. Russo

As Administrative Judge, Judge Russo ensures the effective and efficient administration of justice, including management of the entire Probate Court, including case inventory, budget, employees and policies and procedures.

As Presiding Judge, Judge Russo appoints the members of the Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners and approves appointments to the MetroHealth System Board of Trustees. Under Judge Russo’s leadership the Cleveland Metroparks has acquired over 3,500 acres of additional parkland, including 450 acres of lakefront parks, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all county residents.

As Ex-Officio Clerk of Court, Judge Russo is responsible for the operation of the Clerk’s Office, including the filing and maintaining of all legal documents for probate matters.

Under Judge Russo’s leadership the Probate Court has implemented E-Filing, converted records to digital images for online viewing, established a Resource Center staffed by attorneys, hosted legal assistance clinics, established the Guardian Partners Program to conduct wellness checks on all adult wards, partnered with the Cuyahoga County Executive’s Office to launch the Great Estates Program to help residents avoid unnecessary costs and delays in settling estates, and maintained the excellent level of customer service this Court is widely known for.

Probate Court of Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Administrative Assistant Bailiff Senior Staff Attorney Staff Attorney Fax
Sue Schwarten
(216) 443-8975
Marc Garofoli
(216) 443-8924
Courtney Verardi
(216) 443-3287
Claire Kinnear
(216) 443-8928
(216) 443-5446

Background and Education

  • Three adult children: Anthony Jr., Domenica and Alessia
  • Resides in Mayfield Village, Ohio
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law-1977
  • Kent State University-1974
  • Chanel High School-1970

Experience

  • Partner in the law firm of Russo, Roth & Co., (1978-1992).
  • Member of the State Board of Education (1973-1992)

Judicial Experience

  • Cuyahoga County Probate Court Judge (2009-present)
  • Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court Judge (1993-2008)

Memberships

  • National Association of Presiding Judges and Court Administrators
  • Ohio Judicial Conference
  • American Judges Association
  • National College of Probate Judges
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Ohio Association of Probate Judges
  • Justinian Forum: Honorary Trustee
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni Association: Honorary Trustee

Past and Present Affiliations

  • St. Malachi Church
  • St. Paschal Baylon Church
  • San Leone Society
  • Italian Sons and Daughters of America

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