Magistrate Kathleen Lenski knew she wanted to be a lawyer from age 12. As the daughter of educators, there were no lawyers in her family to model a career after, but she had a steadfast belief that a career in law was a way to help people. When her parents divorced, it solidified her goal.

“They had complicated divorce and custody proceedings, and it really drew my interest to children and being involved in the legal system,” she said. “I knew what [divorce] felt like from the child’s perspective, and that experience triggered my interest in the field and in wanting to help the most vulnerable.”

A native of Warren County, Lenski attended Georgetown for undergrad but ultimately returned home for law school at the University of Dayton School of Law. When she started her career in private practice, she became a guardian ad litem, beginning the child welfare work that would define her career. She then spent time at legal aid and the public defender’s office, but her appointment as a juvenile magistrate in 2004 at the Montgomery County Juvenile Court was where she found her perfect fit.

“It’s an honor to come to work at the juvenile court,” she said. “I appreciate the efforts of Judge Wallace and Judge Bruns, and I’m proud that every day we get to help children and families in our community.”

While some may find juvenile law particularly challenging, Magistrate Lenski doesn’t see it that way. She is excited about recent changes in Ohio, including Gov. DeWine’s creation of the new Department of Children and Youth, and she’s optimistic about the future.

“People interested in juvenile law are some of the best people I’ve known in the legal profession,” she said. “It really matters to them because they are passionate about helping children and families in our communities.”

In addition to her day job, Magistrate Lenski is very involved in the legal community. She recently concluded six years of service on the Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors and credited the experience with helping her form new friendships and connections.

“Serving on the OSBA board has been the highlight of my legal career,” she said. “It allowed me to step outside my role at the juvenile court and look at multiple issues within the legal profession.”

She’s bullish on law school, too. Her son is following in her footsteps at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in New York, and she doesn’t hesitate to encourage high school and college students to pursue law school.

“I’m proud to be a lawyer and excited to meet young people who want to be lawyers, too. You can’t ever go wrong with your law degree because it helps you help people.”

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio. A gift to the Foundation supports Ohio’s legal aids.