On The Record: The Podcast of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court

Judge John J. Russo looks back on his six years as Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. He served as AJ/PJ from January 2014 to December 2019.

The Pro Bono Project provides legal advice on civil matters to people who are also dealing with criminal cases. In many instances, a person with a criminal case faces issues such as eviction, child custody, and even driving privileges. Judge Joan Synenberg, who presides over our Recovery Court, was instrumental in getting the Pro Bono Project started when she noticed some of the civil issues her defendants were facing.

Cuyahoga County Adult Probation Training Specialist Brad Schleter looks at how the probation department has changed over the years. What was once a program designed to punish people, probation has evolved into a method of helping people overcome their mistakes and become productive members of society. Community Control Sanctions, as probation is now known, uses evidence-based practices to find the best ways to help the clients.

Judge Stuart Friedman retired in early January, 2019, after three decades on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench. He spoke with host Darren Toms about his education, law career and time on the bench. Judge Friedman also discussed the two things he's most proud of during his time as a Judge.

Judge Carolyn Friedland retired in January of 2019, and looked back on what she calls "a great job." Judge Friedland spent 30 years on the Bench, and she speaks with host Darren Toms about her education, career, and why she became a Judge.