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Judge

Gina R. Russo

Elected 2021

 
 

BIO

Judge Gina Russo took the bench on the Franklin County Municipal Court on March 15, 2021. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Bowling Green State University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1999, and a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2002. In 2002, Russo joined the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP, where she practiced civil law in many state and federal courts throughout Ohio. In 2012, Russo became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Franklin County, where she tried many felony-level offenses. In 2019, Russo was appointed to the Franklin County Common Pleas bench, where she served for two years. She ran for a full term on the Franklin County Municipal Court in November 2021.

Judge Russo is licensed and admitted to practice by the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, and the Ohio Supreme Court. She is currently a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Women's Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, and The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, American Inn of Court. She currently serves on the Ohio State Bar Association's Government Affairs Committee, and the Municipal Court's Specialized Docket, Personnel and Security Committees. Since March 2023, Judge Russo has presided over the Franklin County Municipal Court's specialized mental health docket, the L.I.N.C. ("Learning to Identify and Navigate Change") Program.

Russo resides in Upper Arlington with her husband and two dogs, Raina and Tucker. She is also a member of the Athletic Club of Columbus, where she regularly teaches group fitness, spinning, and yoga. She enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Judge Russo is the Presiding Judge over the LINC Specialized Docket. Learn More  

Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette must be observed. No hats, food, drinks or use of cellular phones will be permitted when court is in session. Please make all reasonable accommodations for children, as they should not be exposed to courtroom proceedings, if possible. Appropriate attire is required for litigants and attorneys. Professionalism and respect toward the court, opposing counsel, parties, and witnesses will be expected at all times.

Continuances

The Court will grant continuances if reasonable. Every effort to agree on a continuance prior to submission to the Court should be made. Requests for continuances shall be submitted to the Court as soon as practicable, but at a minimum, five (5) days prior to the court date. A proposed entry shall be submitted.

Motions & Briefs

Parties shall follow all local rules and the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure in submitting motions for summary judgment and other pretrial motions. Motions are to be submitted timely with a proposed entry and served upon opposing counsel. Motions may be ruled upon without a hearing, unless a hearing is specifically requested. All motions will be reviewed and decided upon in a timely manner.

If a motion requires an evidentiary hearing, a hearing will be promptly scheduled. Counsel and parties shall arrive at the evidentiary hearing ready to present evidence in an orderly fashion. All exhibits or evidentiary materials should be pre-marked with exhibit stickers.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

For most civil cases, the Court will refer the matter to mediation shortly after it is assigned. If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will be set for pretrial. Additional pretrials may be scheduled by the Court if necessary.

Other

Civil trials will be conducted on dates identified by the Court as "civil days."  Counsel and parties are expected to arrive with all witnesses, exhibits and demonstrative evidence ready to be presented. If applicable, counsel and parties should exchange a list of witnesses and exhibits prior to trial and all exhibits should be pre-marked with an exhibit sticker. All courtroom technology must be tested prior to the start of trial and ready to use once trial has commenced. 

Requests for continuances of trial will be granted only where reasonable.

General

Criminal defendants are to be present for a plea unless counsel has a court-approved Plea in Absentia form. Parties shall prepare a "Notice of Rights and Waiver of Jury" form prior to plea. If a defendant wishes to enter a plea pro se, the defendant must complete the "Waiver of an Attorney" form.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Criminal and traffic cases are automatically set for pretrial after a jury demand is filed. Counsel shall be prepared to address any matters at pretrial, including, plea negotiations, bond modification and/or conditions of bond. If the defendant is incarcerated, every effort shall be made to comply with Marsy's law prior to the hearing.

Motions & Briefs

Parties shall follow all local rules and the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure in submitting motions to the Court. Hearing dates for motions will not be scheduled until a motion is filed.

The Court will entertain motions for bond modification or warrant set-asides only on the record, in open court, and with prior notice to the non-movant. All counsel, defendant, and the prosecuting witness (if applicable), shall be present.

Discovery

Discovery must be requested prior to the pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery.

Other

Criminal trials will commence on Monday afternoons beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Court will usually recess for Wednesday (to hold its LINC docket), but resume trial if necessary on Thursday.

Counsel and parties are expected to arrive with all witnesses, exhibits and demonstrative evidence ready to be presented. If applicable, counsel and parties should exchange a list of witnesses and exhibits prior to trial and all exhibits should be pre-marked with an exhibit sticker. All courtroom technology must be tested prior to the start of trial and ready to use once trial has commenced.

Requests for continuances of trial will be granted only where reasonable.

Contact Information