Public Defenders Commission

Contact Information:

Mark Budzar
310 W. Lakeside Ave., Suite 400, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216-443-8386

Website:

https://publicdefender.cuyahogacounty.gov/

Description of Board and Responsibilities:

The County Public Defender Commission shall appoint the County Public Defender. The Commission determines the qualifications and size of the supporting staff and facilities and other requirements needed to maintain and operate the office of the County Public Defender.

Application:

Apply Now

Qualifications:

While there are not formal qualifications, members are subject to appointment by the County Executive and the Court of Common Pleas and must be vetted as capable by those entities.

Enabling Legislation:

O.R.C. 120.13

O.A.C. 120-1

R2021-0102D - Fernando Mack

Meeting Information:

Meetings shall be held quarterly and at such other times as called by the chairperson or by request of the public defender at Courthouse Square - 310 W. Lakeside, 4th Floor Conference Room. Please contact the Public Defender's Office for more information.

Membership:

Name	Term Ends	Appointed By/Representation
Thomas E. Shaughnessy, Esq.	Dec 31, 2023	Common Pleas Court
James J. McDonnell, Esq.	Dec 31, 2024	Common Pleas Court
Erika Anthony	Dec 31, 2023	County Executive
Fernando Mack	Dec 31, 2024	County Executive
Gordon Friedman	Dec 31, 2024	County Executive