Russ Mock brings nearly three decades of experience in the legal profession, with a distinguished career spanning judicial service, prosecution, and leadership in the legal community. Having served as both a trial and appellate judge for 17 years, he possesses a deep understanding of the judicial system and an exceptional ability to navigate complex litigation matters. As a former Presiding and Administrative Judge of the First District Court of Appeals and the Hamilton County Municipal Court, he played a pivotal role in shaping court procedures, improving case management, and ensuring fairness in the judicial process. His appellate experience includes serving as a Visiting Judge for the Ohio Supreme Court.
In addition to his judicial tenure, Russ served as a Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, where he led a team of 17 attorneys. In this role, he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases and mentored junior attorneys while implementing training programs to improve case management and trial preparation. His prosecutorial experience extends to both felony and municipal divisions, giving him comprehensive insight into the criminal justice system.
Currently, Russ remains an influential figure in the legal and political communities as Chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party. In this capacity, he collaborates with key stakeholders, community leaders, and donors to strengthen local governance and judicial integrity. He is also a member of the Republican State Central Committee representing the 9th Senate District. His dedication to public service is evident in his involvement with various legal associations, including the Ohio State Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Foundation, and formerly The Supreme Court of Ohio’s Commission on Professionalism.
Beyond his legal practice, Russ is committed to mentoring the next generation of attorneys, having volunteered with the Cincinnati Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competitions and Cincinnati College of Law’s Career Day. His work with organizations like the Talbert House, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, and Operation Legal Help Ohio reflects his passion for community engagement.
- Presiding and Administrative Judge, First District Court of Appeals
- Visiting Judge, Ohio Supreme Court
- Presiding and Administrative Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court
- The Power 100 recognizing the top 100 leaders in the Cincinnati region by Cincy Magazine
- Chairman, Hamilton County Republican Party
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Cincinnati Bar Foundation, Grant’s Committee (2012-2019)
- Ohio Judicial Conference (2004–2021), Judicial Ethics, Professionalism & Diversity Committee; Public Confidence & Community Outreach Committee
- The Potter Stewart American Inn of Court
- Elliot-Thomas v. Smith et al, The Ohio Supreme Court addressed the issue of intentional spoliation of evidence.
- Cincinnati Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competitions, Mentor
- Cincinnati College of Law’s Career Day, Speaker
- Talbert House – Volunteer
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati
- Operation Legal Help Ohio
- Mount Aloysius
- Karen Wellington Foundation
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law – J.D., May 1995
- University of Dayton – B.A. in Political Science & History, April 1991