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U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi discusses role as chief judge
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: August 25, 2023
She has been on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio bench since 2007, now Judge Sara Lioi is serving as chief judge.
This after U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan completed her term on June 6.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the court,” said Judge Lioi, who began her new role on June 7. “We have a very collegial court and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and other court personnel in my new capacity.
“Judge Gaughan did a wonderful job as chief judge,” said Judge Lioi, whose chambers are located in Akron. “She has now passed the torch to me and I humbly accept.
“Most of the job entails handling issues related to court administration. I will be working closely with court unit executives, who are the clerk of court, the chief U.S. pretrial services and probation officer and the director of human resources, to oversee the court’s more than 300 employees, manage budgets and ensure that the court operates effectively.
“I will also regularly convene the judges for meetings to discuss and decide court business and will help to ensure that the laws, regulations and policies that pertain to court operations are being followed,” she said.
Her duties also include serving as the official spokesperson for the Northern District of Ohio. In addition, Judge Lioi is an ex-officio member of the court’s standing and special committees.
“We have a wonderful group of faithful public servants in the Northern District of Ohio, and I am excited to work with them to ensure that the court operates smoothly so that the judges can fulfill their constitutional and statutory duties,” said Judge Lioi.
“I have absolutely no doubt that Judge Lioi will do an excellent job,” said U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan, who swore in Judge Lioi. “She’s very conscientious and cares deeply for the court and its employees. Judge Lioi brings with her not only a wealth of experience but also exceptional character.”
Clerk of Court Sandy Opacich echoed Judge Gaughan’s sentiments.
“I have worked with Chief Judge Lioi for over six years in her role as chair of the court’s committee on supportive personnel,” said Opacich. “She leads with a deep commitment to our staff and dedication to the administration of justice. I look forward to supporting her in her new role as chief judge.”
A native of Canton, Ohio, Judge Lioi received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Bowling Green State University.
Prior to starting at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, she completed a summer prelaw program at the University of Oxford in England.
Offered by The Ohio State University, the program is operated by the Department of External Studies at the University of Oxford and gives students the chance to learn about the Anglo-American legal system and also focuses on law and society in Britain and the United States.
“It was an amazing opportunity to study our common law roots and heritage in England,” said Judge Lioi.
After earning her juris doctorate from the Moritz College of Law in 1987, she began her career at the now-defunct Stark County law firm Day Ketterer.
She primarily focused on civil litigation and specialized real estate transactions and became a partner at the firm.
Judge Lioi was appointed by then-Gov. George Voinovich to fill a judicial vacancy on the Stark County Common Pleas Court in December 1997. She was elected to the seat in 1998 and re-elected in 2004.
Judge Lioi served on the common pleas bench until 2007 when she was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio by former President George W. Bush.
She is one of two judges who preside over the Northern District of Ohio reentry court program in Akron, formally called the Successful Transitions-Accelerated Reentry (STAR) Program.
A collaboration between the court, the U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Public Defender’s Office and community resource providers, the Northern District of Ohio STAR/Reentry program is designed to facilitate the safe and successful reintegration of high- to moderate-risk individuals under supervision into the community.
Each of the four courthouse locations has a STAR program, including Akron, Cleveland, Youngstown and Toledo.
In Akron, Judge Lioi and U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Knapp preside over the reentry court, holding team meetings and sessions. Judge Lioi has been involved with the Akron program since its inception in 2013.
“It’s very fulfilling and gratifying to see participants make it through the program and turn their lives around,” said Judge Lioi.
A member of the Stark County and Federal bar associations, Judge Lioi is an Akron Bar Foundation fellow.
She currently chairs the board of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton, which works to improve the quality of life for poor and underserved residents.
Judge Lioi served one term as the Sixth Circuit District Judge Representative to the United States Judicial Conference. She also completed two terms on the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules of the U.S. Judicial Conference, after being appointed by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
In addition, she is a former board member and an emeritus member of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law National Council. She was also on the board of Walsh University for 12 years, including completing two years as vice chair and two years as board chair.
“I have been involved with many nonprofit and professional boards over the years,” said Judge Lioi.
“I have been very blessed in my career and in my personal life, and it is my way of giving back to my profession and to the community, particularly to those who are less fortunate, ” said Judge Lioi.