Judge Mary Kay Fenlon

Judge
Elected 2021

  • Chambers(614) 645-8849
Photo of Judge Fenlon

Bio

Born and raised in Columbus, Judge Mary Kay Fenlon was elected to the Franklin County Municipal Court in 2021. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Fenlon's 30-year legal career included government, private, and corporate in-house practices. In addition, she has mentored young lawyers and volunteered her time to the Columbus Legal Aid Society's TAP program and the Franklin County Court's Juvenile Justice Restoration program. Judge Fenlon also is the founder of Rock and Roll Over Brain Cancer, Inc., a non-profit that raises money for brain cancer research at The James Cancer Hospital.

Judge Fenlon holds a B.A in Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and a J.D. from Capital University Law School.


View Ohio Revised Code, Local Court Rules, and Ohio Rules of Court.


General

Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette must be observed. The courtroom is a place in which everyone will be treated in a respectful and courteous manner as to provide an environment where all parties, feel justice is being served. Litigants, counsel for the parties and witnesses must be respectful to one another and to all parties in the courtroom. Examinations need not be conducted at the lectern. Counsel should ask permission to approach a witness. Cell phones and wireless devices must remain off while in the courtroom.

Continuances

Continuances and extensions will be granted if reasonably possible with the understanding that all cases should be resolved within the time frame and guidelines of the Rules of Superintendence. Requests for continuances should be presented to the Court a minimum of five (5) days prior to the court date. Motions must specify whether the request is agreed or opposed.

Motions & Briefs

Motions must be submitted timely and served on opposing parties and Judge Fenlon. Motions may be ruled on without oral hearings, unless requested. All motions are to be submitted to the Court at least five (5) days before trial date.

Status Conferences

Status Conferences are held only on request or if the Court feels it is needed. Parties should be prepared to discuss preliminary matters including but not limited to discovery issues, preliminary motions, and attorneys must have settlement authority, etc.

Civil

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Pretrial conferences are set in all cases for discussion of the case, discovery and complex issues. All parties should have authority to act on behalf of litigants, as it is not necessary for the actual litigants to be present at the pretrial. Litigants with attorneys appearing on their behalf must be available by telephone for consultation. Counsel are required to confer before the hearing pursuant to Local Court Rule 6.01, making a sincere effort to settle the case and to agree on evidentiary matters about which there is no genuine dispute. Pretrial Statements must be provided according to Local Court Rule 6.01 at all second pretrials.

Criminal

General

The assigned prosecutors are encouraged to meet with the attorneys to discuss the cases. If further guidance is needed, the Court shall be available. Discovery must be requested prior to pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery.

Discovery

Discovery must be requested prior to pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery.