MANSFIELD — Mansfield Municipal Court Presiding Judge Michael Kemerer was recently inducted into the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s 2025-2026 Fellows Class.
Kemerer, elected to a six-year term on the bench in November of 2023, was one of 13 attorneys and judges honored, a class that includes solo practitioners, partners at law firms, government attorneys and community advocates.
All are committed to advancing justice across the state, according to the Ohio State Bar Foundation.
Ohio State Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy formally inducted the new class during a ceremony at the state’s highest court on June 24.
Before becoming a judge by receiving 60 percent of the vote in the general election, Kemerer was the First Assistant Law Director for the City of Mansfield for 17 years, including time as an intern.
He has also served as criminal solicitor for the Village of Bellville and as an adjunct faculty member at North Central State College.
Kemerer, who lives on Ohio 314 between Ontario and Shelby, is actively involved in various community organizations and is committed to legal education and professional development throughout Ohio.
He earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law.
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Mansfield Municipal Court has jurisdiction over all of Richland County, with the exception of Shelby, Shiloh, Plymouth (Richland County), and six northern townships. The court handles traffic, misdemeanor criminal and smaller civil cases.
It also handles initial phases of some felony criminal cases.
As the Professional Honorary of Ohio Lawyers, the OSBF welcomes a new class of Fellows each year — attorneys who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to community service.
Since its inaugural Fellows Class in 1998, the OSBF has inducted more than 1,000 Fellows.
Each class contributes to the development of a symposium — an educational and awareness initiative aimed at the legal profession and those directly impacted by the issue at hand.
Previous classes have helped bring attention to important and timely topics such as trauma-informed lawyering, civility, and racial inequities in the justice system.
These topics include those often under-recognized or underexplored, making the work all the more meaningful.
In addition to supporting the symposium, Fellows engage in service opportunities that advance the OSBF’s mission of promoting justice and improving the legal system for all Ohioans.
“We are proud to welcome the 2025–2026 Fellows Class to the Ohio State Bar Foundation,” said Executive Director Laurie Beth Sweeney.
“This accomplished group embodies a deep commitment to service and justice. Their dedication will strengthen our efforts to improve Ohio’s legal system and expand access to justice for all.
“We look forward to supporting their important work and the impact they will make in the year ahead.”
