Judge Janet R. Burnside: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Janet R. Burnside (Ret.) is a visiting judge for the General Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio. Burnside initially joined the bench in 1991. She retired on January 10, 2019.

Burnside earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (1967) and a master’s degree in computer science (1970) from Ohio State University. She then completed a J.D. at the Ohio State University, Michael E. Moritz College of Law in 1977.

After graduating from law school, Burnside entered into private practice. She started as an associate at Greene & Hennenberg. Then, in 1988, she opened her own private practice as a sole practitioner. For much of this time, she also sat as an acting judge for the Cleveland Municipal Court (1985 to 1991).

Her memberships have included the Ohio State Bar Association, the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, the National Organization for Women, and the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. She was also involved with the Ohio Judicial College, the American Inns of Court, and the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association.

She has received endorsements from the Police Unions’ Legislative Lobby, the Ohio Education Association, the Ohio AFL-CIO, and the Ohio Democratic Party.