Welcome Judge Michael John Ryan!

On December 19, 2022, Judge Michael John Ryan was sworn in to the Eighth District Court of Appeals in the Rotunda of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse in the presence of his family and numerous friends, including many of his former and current judicial colleagues and other elected officials. Judge Ryan’s wife, Robin Ryan, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

Judge Ryan was elected on November 8, 2022, to serve out the remainder of the late Judge Larry A. Jones Sr.’s term on the Eighth District Court of Appeals. Notably, Judge Jones had been both a friend and mentor to Judge Ryan throughout Judge Ryan’s legal and judicial career. Prior to being elected to the court of appeals, Judge Ryan served as a common pleas juvenile court judge for nearly ten years and a municipal court judge for seven years. He also worked as a city prosecutor and magistrate with Cleveland Municipal Court.

Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Myron C. Duhart administered the oath of office, and Judge Ryan’s wife, Robin, held the Bible.

Amongst the many distinguished speakers, then-Administrative and Presiding Judge Sean C. Gallagher welcomed Judge Ryan to the appellate bench on behalf of all judges at the Eighth District Court of Appeals. The late Judge Larry A. Jones, Sr.’s son, Larry A. Jones, Jr., also spoke and shared how happy his father would have been by Judge Ryan succeeding him on the court.

In his remarks, Judge Ryan thanked his family, friends, and numerous supporters for their hard work and faith in him. Judge Ryan also shared the three principles that have guided him both as an attorney and judge: “competence, commitment, and courage.” Expanding on the courage principle, Judge Ryan commented on the wise advice shared by the late Judge Jones: “Do the right thing even if it’s unpopular.” Judge Ryan noted that he has “big shoes to fill” succeeding the late Judge Jones, and while no person could accomplish such a feat, he pledged to serve in the same courageous manner as Judge Jones.

Judge Ryan, his wife Robin and their family.