Judge Marilyn Zayas

Judge Marilyn Zayas is one of the most experienced appellate judges serving in Ohio. She joined our court in 2016, when Hamilton County made Ohio history by electing the first Latina Court of Appeals judge. Since joining the court, Judge Zayas was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Chief Justice to sit on the Second, Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth District Courts of Appeal.

Judge Zayas sitting at the Ohio Supreme Court

Judge Zayas was also selected by the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court to serve by special assignment at the Supreme Court for a criminal case in June 2018, and for an upcoming series of complex civil cases, scheduled be heard on April 2, and April 22, 2025. Judge Zayas’ judicial record shows that she faithfully applies the law and our state and federal constitutions equally to all, independent of outside influence and politics. Zayas earned an “Excellent” rating, the highest rating from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association.

Judge Zayas is the product of hard-working parents who migrated from Puerto Rico and worked in factories and the printing industry. She overcame numerous obstacles to earn a college degree in computer science. After experiencing the devastation that drugs and crime had on her working-class childhood neighborhood, she found a new home in Ohio in 1988. Prior to attending law school, she had an esteemed career as an IT Manager at Procter & Gamble, where she managed teams and international projects, with multi-million-dollar budgets.

After her election, Judge Zayas created the Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders program, an educational program for high school, undergraduate, and law school students. The program invites students to the Court of Appeals to interact with judges and attorneys, learn about the law, and inspire them to dream big and to never give up. Judge Zayas is committed to promoting accessibility and accountability through student outreach and community forums. In 2021, Judge Zayas was celebrated by ABC’s Good Morning America for her work with students.

Judge Zayas with some of the students that have visited the Court of Appeals

Judge Zayas has spearheaded initiatives at the court that provide cost savings and enlarged access for the community, including a user-friendly guide, designed to assist those who do not have an attorney. The guide explains, step-by-step, how to appeal in our court. The court has received positive feedback from both attorneys and non-attorneys who find the guide extremely helpful.

She completed a three-year term on the Ohio Supreme Court’s Board of Character and Fitness. Judge Zayas currently serves on the University of Cincinnati’s College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board.

Prior to joining the Court of Appeals, Zayas served the community as an attorney for nearly 20 years. She has litigated in both state and federal courts, including every court whose appeals are heard at our court of appeals. She began her legal career as an intellectual property litigator at Holland & Hart, one of the most prominent law firms in Colorado. After returning to Ohio, Judge Zayas worked for the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, and ultimately founded her own boutique law practice where she helped business owners, asylum applicants, and families successfully navigate the complex immigration system. Judge Zayas earned a reputation as an attorney who provides honest and zealous representation while navigating complex and extremely intricate cases.

She also served as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Further, recognizing the significance of safe communities, she spent several years partnering with various law enforcement agencies for community initiatives.

Judge Marilyn Zayas brought national attention to Ohio in 2024 when her judicial excellence was celebrated in Washington, D.C. upon her selection as the 2024 Judge of the Year by the preeminent National Hispanic Bar Association. In her acceptance speech, she thanked all those who have mentored and believed in her, and honored Ohio as a home where anyone can succeed with hard work and resolve.

Judge Zayas was also celebrated locally by Hamilton County in 2024 for her many contributions to the community. In recognition of these achievements, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October 11, 2024 as Judge Marilyn Zayas day!

ABC’s Good Morning America celebrated her community contributions as a GMA 2021 Inspiration List: Who’s Making Hispanic Latino History Right Now. She was one of the 2021 City of Cincinnati City Council Women’s History Month honorees and a 2019 YWCA Career Women of Achievement award recipient. In 2017, she received the prestigious University of Cincinnati College of Law Nicholas Longworth, III Alumni Achievement Award. She was also awarded the LULAC Women’s National Convention Service and Commitment Award in 2014, and the Ohio Commission of Hispanic and Latino Affairs, Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award in 2013.

Her family includes her three adult children and adopted rescue dog, Sparkle Lou.