On July 25, 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Mike DeLeone as the new Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division Judge. Judge DeLeone was sworn in on August 10, 2023, and immediately took the bench. Shortly after taking the bench, Judge DeLeone addressed the recent requirement to accept electronic filings and has a new local rule being reviewed for comment by the Lake County Bar Association. Judge DeLeone also adopted the forms promulgated by the Ohio Supreme Court. The Juvenile Court will transition to these forms in September 2023. This will improve efficiency, save costs, and streamline the efficiency of the Court.

Judge DeLeone is married to his lovely wife, Stacy and they have five beautiful children. Judge DeLeone began his career in private practice as a law clerk and paralegal for McIntyre, Kahn and Kruse LPA (now the Cleveland office of Weston Hurd) in 1995 while working his way through law school. After passing the bar, Judge DeLeone stayed on at the law firm as an Associate Attorney through July 19, 2002. Judge DeLeone then transitioned to an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Lake County on July 22, 2002 where he was employed until August 9, 2023.

Judge DeLeone handled simple and complex litigation in all divisions of the Lake County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which includes the Juvenile Division, Felony Division, Civil Division, Child Support Enforcement Division, and Appellate Division. As part of his duties as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Judge DeLeone became certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) to teach the law section at the Lake County Sheriff’s Corrections Training Academy. Judge DeLeone continues to volunteer to teach at the Lake County Sheriff’s Corrections Training Academy.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge DeLeone was elected to be a Board member of the Lake County Employees Federal Credit Union where he served from January 1, 2011 before retiring to take the bench on August 7, 2023. The Board manages members holdings valued at approximately 35 million dollars in 2011 which has grown to approximately 49 million dollars in 2023. Judge DeLeone was also appointed to the Lake Geauga United Head Start Board on October 26, 2007. While serving on this Board, Judge DeLeone was elected Board Treasurer by his peers.

Lake Geauga United Head Start Board oversees a comprehensive preschool education program designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Judge DeLeone also retired from this Board on July 28, 2023 to accept his appointment from Governor DeWine. Judge DeLeone also taught at Lakeland Community College for Civil Litigation, Business Law, Business Ethics, Business Communication, Fact Finding and Investigation, Real Estate Law, and Real Estate Appraisal. Additionally, Judge DeLeone was elected to Painesville City Council, Ward 3 twice.

Judge DeLeone earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science with a Minor in Psychology from Kent State University on December 16, 1995. Judge DeLeone earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from Cleveland State University on December 21, 2000. Judge DeLeone earned his Master of Laws (L.LM) from Cleveland State University with a split focus on Criminal and Government Law on December 19, 2007. Judge DeLeone recently accepted an appointment in an advisory capacity to the Lake County Salvation Army Board. Judge DeLeone looks forward to continuing to serve Lake County in the Lake County Juvenile Court.