Meet Nikki

I am excited to be running as a Democrat for Cleveland Municipal Court Judge. 

I have been honored to spend my career in public service with the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office representing some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Assigned to the Municipal Division, I spend every day in Cleveland Municipal Court, advocating for Cleveland citizens accused of criminal offenses. 

I have also been assigned to the Court's Specialized Dockets -- Veteran's Court, Mental Health Court, and Drug Court -- where clients benefit from a treatment-focused approach providing access to resources and services.

Through this representation I seek to assist clients not only with their case, but with other issues that may be impeding their success, including: Connecting them with mental health or addiction resources, working with our social work division to provide critical services, or helping them obtain or reinstate their driver’s license. I participate frequently in clinics that assist the public with record expungement, license reinstatement, voter registration, and warrant recalls.

Throughout my legal career I have seen the devasting impacts that addiction, poverty, and untreated mental health issues can have on clients, their families, and the public. These underlying issues contribute significantly to violence and crime, and the criminal justice system can and should address them by providing resources and opportunities for those involved.

If elected, I will work every day to uphold the Constitutional rights of defendants and victims, and use every resource available to assist those who need it most. 

EXPERIENCE

Assistant Public Defender, Cuyahoga County, Municipal Division 2019 -- Present

Assistant Public Defender, Cuyahoga County, Juvenile Division, 2017 -- 2019

Proud Member of AFSCME Local 3631, 2017 -- Present

Law Clerk, Cuyahoga County County Public Defender, 2014 -- 2017

Northeast Care Center, Direct Supportive Professional, 2005 -- 2010

EDUCATION

Cuyahoga Community College, 2007

Cleveland State University, 2009, Bachelor of Arts

Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 2014, Juris Doctor