Lake County County Clerk of Courts

Thank you for visiting my webpage. I am announcing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for Lake County Clerk of Courts in the 2024 election. With over 25 years’ experience as an attorney, as both a trial lawyer and former judge, licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States and all state courts in Ohio, I have the right experience to be our next Clerk.

As a member of the Federalist Society, I have the conservative credentials to ensure our county is served by someone who shares our values. I am a graduate of Penn State University Dickinson School of Law, Purdue University -magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Lake Catholic High School, and St. Gabriel’s Elementary School. I grew up and currently reside in Concord Township.

I am a member of the Lake County Bar Association and have volunteered for the United Way, YMCA, Legal Aid Society, St. Gabriel’s Parish, Habitat for Humanity, and various other local non-profit organizations. 

I am running for Lake County Clerk of Courts because unfortunately, we have not been well served by our current Clerk. The current clerk is not an attorney and struggles to understand the law, her role and the duties of the office. The management style of the current clerk is both chaotic and dysfunctional which has led to 22/45 of the staff leaving and hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money being spent in attorney fees suing our Republican common pleas judges and fighting her employees vote to unionize the office. Make no mistake – they are unionizing because of her bad behavior. 

I understand the role of the Clerk of Courts from a unique perspective, having been both a judge and an attorney. I have a proven track record and the leadership skills necessary for modern trial court administration.  

To that end, I will work with the common pleas judges on funding and technology innovation, collaborate with them on court operations, and set policy and strategy for all non-judicial operations of the court. I would work closely and cooperatively with all county officials. Lastly, I would ensure that the clerk’s office and Title Bureau have a workplace culture that is respectful and welcoming for employees as well as the public. I look forward to earning your confidence, support and vote in the March 2024 primary election.

Respectfully,

Carl DiFranco