Judge Timothy W. Clary

Cuyahoga County · November 3, 2026

Judge Timothy W. Clary

For Common Pleas Court

A legal career spanning private practice, prosecution, public defense, and the trial and appellate benches.

Meet Judge Clary
Judge Timothy W. Clary wearing his judicial robe
Currently serving on Ohio’s Eighth District Court of Appeals

Biography

About Judge Clary

His work in Cuyahoga County has included representing clients, prosecuting cases, and serving as a judge.

He joined the Eighth District Court of Appeals on February 17, 2026. He previously served on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas and, before joining the appellate court, as an assistant prosecutor in the Civil Division.

Read the court’s biography

Experience

His career in law

Work in civil and criminal law, in the courtroom and on the bench.

Judge Clary taking the oath of office for the Eighth District Court of Appeals
Judge Clary taking the oath of office for the Eighth District Court of Appeals.
  1. February 17, 2026

    Eighth District Court of Appeals

    Began service on the appellate bench.

  2. Before the appellate appointment

    Civil Division prosecution

    Served as an assistant prosecutor in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

  3. January 2, 2024

    Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court

    Began judicial service following the appointment announced December 8, 2023.

  4. 2023

    Public defense

    Assistant Cuyahoga County public defender.

  5. 2014–2022

    Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office

    Children & Family Services Unit; promoted to the General Felony Unit in 2019.

  6. 2012–2013

    Private practice

    Associate at Climaco, Wilcox, Peca, Tarantino & Garofoli Co.

2026 General Election

Judicial ratings

Candidate evaluations for Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, General Division, for the term beginning January 3, 2027.

Read Judge4Yourself’s candidate ratings
Ratings published by Judge4Yourself
AssociationRating
Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationExcellent
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationGood
Norman S. Minor Bar AssociationExcellent
Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys AssociationExcellent

Ratings evaluate candidates; they are separate from the endorsements below.

See the ratings graphicRatings: criminal defense lawyers Excellent; Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Good; Norman S. Minor Bar Excellent; Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association Excellent

For Common Pleas Court

Police endorsements

CPPA

Cleveland Police
Patrolmen’s Association

Endorsed February 25, 2026.

Read the endorsement letterCPPA letter dated February 25, 2026 endorsing Judge Timothy W. Clary for Common Pleas Court

Community

Beyond the bench

An Eagle Scout, Judge Clary also serves as a licensed Boy Scouts of America merit badge counselor.

Read his candidate questionnaire
Judge Clary speaking with students in the Gesu Catholic School gymnasium
Speaking with students at Gesu Catholic School about the justice system.
A visitor seated at a microphone beside the judge’s bench
A special visitor brightens Judge Clary’s day.
View Eagle Scout recognitionEagle Scout recognition for Timothy Clary, with Board of Review date August 23, 2001

Friends of Timothy W. Clary

Contact the campaign

Instagram · @judgeclary

By mail

Friends of Timothy W. Clary
PO Box 1104
Hudson, OH 44236