Ep. 30: Joan Synenberg on loving mercy and justice
No matter who stands before her in court — murderers, rapists, drug dealers — Judge Joan Synenberg tries to separate the behavior from the person. She balances justice with mercy and compassion for all.
She also has a sense of humor and a gavel that reads, “Move over Judy, here comes Judge Joanie.“
Judge Synenberg fought to free and exonerate a man who spent 20 years on Death Row after she learned police and prosecutors hid evidence that would have exonerated him. She also presides over Recovery Court to help those dealing with sexual trauma and addiction.
She has made social justice her life’s mission and aims to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly” with God.
My Takeaways:
Have healthy pursuits to fill up after a draining day, like biking, gardening, cooking, prayer and time with family and friends.
Separate the behavior from the person. What we do is different than who we are.
Choose happiness. Every morning, make it your choice for the day.
She doesn’t judge the person. She judges their conduct.
Official Bio:
The Honorable Joan Synenberg has served on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas bench for 12 years. Judge Synenberg also served as a Cleveland Municipal Court Judge for 2 years.
In addition to her civil and criminal docket, Judge Synenberg presides over Recovery Court, a specialized docket supervising people with drug addiction and trauma. This dual diagnosis docket is the first of its kind in the State of Ohio and is certified by the Ohio Supreme Court. Previously, Judge Synenberg served on the Common Pleas Court’s Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities docket for 5 years.
Under Judge Synenberg’s leadership, hundreds of lawyers have participated in complimentary continuing legal education courses in exchange for donating their legal services to persons in need. Judge Synenberg spearheaded numerous pro bono initiatives including expungement education, conducting dozens of community forums on the topic since 2005.
Before assuming the bench, Judge Synenberg engaged in an active criminal and civil trial practice for 16 years. She graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1988. In 2009, she was honored with the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Outstanding Alumna Award.
Raised in Cleveland, Judge Synenberg is a graduate of Mayfield High School and in 2010 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Judge Synenberg toured for one year with the international cast of Up With People, volunteered with Community Re-Entry Resource Network and worked as a social worker at the Cuyahoga County jail.
Under Judge Synenberg’s leadership, hundreds of lawyers have participated in complimentary continuing legal education courses in exchange for donating their legal services to persons in need. Judge Synenberg spearheaded numerous pro bono initiatives including expungement education, conducting dozens of community forums on the topic since 2005.
In each of her four previous judicial elections, Judge Synenberg received the highest rating (4.0) from all participating bar associations in the "Judge 4 Yourself" Judicial Ratings Coalition. She was endorsed, in each election, by police, fire, organized labor, the Plain Dealer and Call & Post.
She and her husband, Roger, live in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Contact Information:
Bailiff Jennifer W. Schwartz Phone: 216-443-8727