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Joy is originally from East Cleveland. She earned her bachelor's degree in arts and a master's degree in social work from Hampton University, and earned her law degree from Cleveland State University Marshall College of Law. She lives in Cleveland with her husband and their children.

Joy works as a criminal defense attorney in the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office. She previously worked as a public defender and ran her own practice. Joy is also a licensed independent social worker.

Joy Kennedy previously ran for judge of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas but did not win.

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Has 19 years of experience as a licensed attorney.

She has 19 years of experience as an attorney.

She ran her own private legal practice for 16 years.

Worked as a public defender in Cuyahoga County.

As a public defender,  provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.

As a criminal defense attorney, represents individuals accused of crimes, providing legal counsel and defense throughout various stages of the legal process across all levels of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to death penalty cases.

- She has 19 years of experience as an attorney.
- She ran her own private legal practice for 16 years.
- As a public defender,  provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.
- As a criminal defense attorney, represents individuals accused of crimes, providing legal counsel and defense throughout various stages of the legal process across all levels of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to death penalty cases.

Legal Experience

Believes in defending the rights of the accused.

- Believes in defending the rights of the accused.

Judicial Administration

Believes in "tireless" efforts for fairness and integrity in the justice system.

Supports fairness and integrity in the justice system.

Plans to bring "fresh perspectives and an unwavering dedication to justice" to the bench.

- Supports fairness and integrity in the justice system.
- Plans to bring "fresh perspectives and an unwavering dedication to justice" to the bench.

Judicial Philosophy

As of August 23, 2024, Joy Kennedy’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Joy is a member of the Black Women's Political Action Committee, the 
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Euclid Democratic Club.

Joy is the formal regional legal advisor for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

- Joy is a member of the Black Women's Political Action Committee, the 
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Euclid Democratic Club.
- Joy is the formal regional legal advisor for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

Community Involvement

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Joy Kennedy

Joy is originally from East Cleveland. She received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in social work from Hampton University. She received a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She lives in Cleveland with her husband and their children.

Joy works as a criminal defense attorney in the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office. She previously worked as a public defender and had her own practice. Joy is also a licensed independent social worker.

Joy Kennedy previously ran for County Common Pleas Judge in Cuyahoga County but did not win.

- She has 19 years of experience as an attorney.
- She had her own practice for 16 years.
- As a public defender,  provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.
- As a criminal defense attorney, represents individuals accused of crimes, providing legal counsel and defense throughout various stages of the legal process across all levels of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to death penalty cases.

Supports community involvement and encourages volunteering for local candidates, such as Joy Kennedy.

Joy Kennedy previously ran for county common pleas judge in Cuyahoga County but did not win.

She worked as a public defender in Cuyahoga County.

As a criminal defense attorney, ensures defendants’ rights are not violated by the government over the course of an investigation or trial, gathers evidence and interviews witnesses, provides advice and counsel on sentencing standards and possible plea deals, and represents defendants during pre-trial hearings, the trial, and any post-trial sentencing hearings.

- She has 19 years of experience as an attorney.
- She had her own practice for 16 years.
- She worked as a public defender in Cuyahoga County.
- As a criminal defense attorney, ensures defendants’ rights are not violated by the government over the course of an investigation or trial, gathers evidence and interviews witnesses, provides advice and counsel on sentencing standards and possible plea deals, and represents defendants during pre-trial hearings, the trial, and any post-trial sentencing hearings.

Joy Kennedy was born and raised in the greater Cleveland community and is a proud Shaw High School alumna from East Cleveland. She graduated from Hampton University and holds a Master of Social Work degree. She is a devoted wife and mother.

Joy Kennedy has worked as a criminal defense attorney with the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office for 17 years. She is also a licensed attorney and a licensed independent social worker - supervisor. Additionally, she has experience as a solo private practitioner.

As of September 4, 2024, Joy Kennedy’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- The Court of Common Pleas handles criminal felony cases and civil cases where more than $5,000 is at stake.
- The courts are divided into four divisions: general, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile. Each specializes in different types of cases, such as civil and criminal trials, divorces and child custody matters, inheritances and adoptions, and juvenile offenses.
- Ohio has a court of common pleas in each of its 88 counties.
- Common pleas judges are elected to six-year terms in nonpartisan elections.
- Common pleas judges earn $163,792 annually.