Evelyn Lundberg Stratton
Practice Areas
Education
- The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, J.D., 1978
- University of Akron, B.A., 1976; Honorary Doctor of Law, 1988
- Franklin University, Honorary Doctorate of Community Leadership, 2013
- Capital University Law School, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 1999
- University of Florida, A.A., 1973
Bar & Court Admissions
Eve is of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office. Prior to joining Vorys, she served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio and for seven years as a trial judge in the Court of Common Pleas. She counsels clients on variety of practice areas, including appellate issues, litigation and health care.
Eve has decades of trial and appellate experience. She uses this experience to counsel attorneys and law firms throughout Ohio, providing case preparation and trial consultation. This counsel includes offering judicial decision process-observations; case assessment and strategy analysis; the review and analysis of briefs; and the development and presentation of litigation themes. Eve also helps attorneys prepare for trial and oral arguments and assists with mock hearing and trial runs. She was awarded Best Appellate Lawyers of America in the 2017 edition.
Eve spent the first nine years of her legal career as a central Ohio trial lawyer. In 1988, she became the first woman elected judge of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. She was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court by Governor George Voinovich in 1996 and was elected by Ohio voters to three six-year terms.
Eve is also a dedicated public servant. While serving on the Ohio Supreme Court, she formed and chaired the Supreme Court of Ohio Advisory Committee on Mental Illness & the Courts, which since its formation in 2001 has helped establish 38 mental health courts, recommended changes to Medicaid and advocated for a new Juvenile Competency Statute. Currently, she serves with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine as co-chair of the Attorney General's Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness. Eve has also advocated for the development of veterans’ courts, which assist returning veterans with post traumatic stress and other issues that may lead them to criminal activity. In addition, she currently serves as president of the Ohio Military and Veterans Legal Assistance Program a non-profit which connects veterans and military families to a statewide system of referrals to pro bono lawyers, bar associations, legal aid and law school clinics.
Eve's work has resulted in many honors, such as the Congressional Coalition on Adoption’s Angels Award, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Adoption Excellence Award and the Ohio State Association of Veterans’ Service Commissions Outstanding Service Award. In 2008, she received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Ranking among the nation's most prestigious awards, this honor pays tribute to American citizens of diverse origins for their outstanding contributions to their communities, their nation and the world.
Eve has two awards named in her honor: the Justice Stratton Award for Court Security, which has been awarded yearly since 2004, and the Justice Evelyn Stratton CIT Champion of the Year, which has been awarded yearly since 2012.
Eve is a member of the American, Ohio and Columbus Bar Associations. She is also member of the Ohio and Columbus Bar Foundations and Women Lawyers of Franklin County.
Eve received her J.D. from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law. She earned her B.A. and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Akron. Eve also has an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Capital University Law School and an Honorary Doctorate of Community Leadership from Franklin University.
Professional and Community Activities
- Attorney General's Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness, Co-Chair, 2012-Present
- Columbus Council on World Affairs, Board of Trustees, 1990-1999; Honorary Trustee, 1999-Present
- Corporation for Supportive Housing, National Board of Trustees, 2005-2013
- Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Board of Trustees, 1996-2008
- Franklin University, Criminal Justice Advisory Board, 2013-2016
- Judges’ Leadership Initiative/American Psychiatric Foundation Task Force, 2012-Present
- Juvenile Justice Reforms I, II and III, Co-Chair, 2012-2015
- National Judges’ Criminal Justice/Mental Health Leadership Initiative (JLI), 2004-Present, Co-Chair, 2004-2008
- Ohio Community 4 Kids, Co-Chair, 2013-2015
- Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Board of Directors, 2013-present
- Ohio Justice Alliance for Community Corrections (OJACC), Board of Trustees, 1995-Present
- Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) Advisory Group, Co-Chair, 2013
- Prevent Blindness Ohio, 1988-2003 Chairman of the Board of Trustees, 1999-2001; Honorary Trustee, 2004-Present
- Resurrecting Lives Foundation, Vice Chair, 2011-2013; Advisory Board, 2013-Present
- Supreme Court of Ohio Advisory Committee on Mental Illness and the Courts, Chair, 2001-2011
- Veterans in the Courts Initiative, Chair, 2009-2013
Honors & Awards
- National Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America, Appellate Practice, 2017-2018
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Angels in Adoption Award, 2001
- Council of State Governments, Henry Toll Fellow, 2010
- International Community Corrections Association, Judicial Award, 2010
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Distinguished Service Award, 2004
- National Ethnic Coalition Organization, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, 2008
- National Judges’ Criminal Justice/Mental Health Leadership Initiative (JLI), Special Recognition, 2008
- Prevent Blindness America, Award for Volunteer Leadership, 2000
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Adoption Excellence Award, 2001
- Trial Practice Awards
- American Board of Trial Advocates (Ohio Chapter), Professionalism Award, 2013
- Columbus Bar Association, Judicial Pro Bono Award, 2012
- Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, Public Service Award, 2013
- Ohio Senate, Commendation for Service, 2013
- Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Bar Medal Award, 2014
- Criminal Justice Awards
- Advisory Committee on Specialized Dockets, Ohio Supreme Court, Certificate of Recognition, 2012
- Columbus Bar Foundation, Judicial Pro Bono Award, 2012
- Corporation for Supportive Housing, Champion of Supportive Housing, Champion Award, 2013
- Justice League of Ohio, Model of Justice Award, 2013
- Ohio Association for Court Administration, Certificate of Appreciation, 2012
- Ohio Bail Agents Association, Appreciation Award, 2008
- Ohio Bailiffs and Court Officers Association, Outstanding Achievement Award, 2000; Certificate of Recognition, 2012
- Mental Health Reform Awards
- Columbus Area Inc., Mental Health Advocate Award (Government Sector), 2011
- Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, Compass Award, 2015
- National Alliance on Mental Illness - Ohio Chapter, Mental Health Champion Award, 2002; Lighting the Candle of Hope for So Many Award, 2014
- National Alliance on Mental Illness of Geauga County, Certificate of Appreciation, 2008
- Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, President’s Award, 2008
- Ohio Psychological Association, Award of Excellence, 2012
- Veterans Treatment Court Reform Awards
- The Military/Veterans (MILVETS) Educational Foundation, CSM Jake Brewer Leadership Award, 2016
- presented its 2016 CSM Jake Brewer Leadership
- AMVETS Past State Department Commanders’ Civil Servant of the Year Award, 2013
- Masonic Franklin County Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Association, Community Service Award, 2013
- Ohio National Guard, Certificate of Appreciation, 2011
- Ohio Military Reserve Association, Outstanding Service Award, 2008
- Ohio State Association of Veterans’ Service Commissioners, Outstanding Service Award, 2011
- Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council, Veterans Advocacy Award, 2010; Distinguished Service Award, 2013
- The Psychiatric Society of Central Ohio, Award for Treatment Centered Courts for Veterans, 2010
- Other Recognitions
- Best Lawyers 2017, Spring Edition, "Women of Influence," Best Appellate Columbus Lawyer
- Esther H. Brocker Award and Scholarship, 2016
- Commonwealth of Kentucky, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, 2010
- Franklin Church, Faith and Freedom Appreciation Award, 2013
- LeTourneau Stampede, Girls Goat Tying, 1st Place, 1972
- Professional Independent Agents Association of Ohio, Industry Person of the Year, 2013
News
- 8/17/2017One hundred and eight lawyers from Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018.
- 5/10/2017Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, recently testified on behalf of Ohio House Bill 81.
- 11/3/2016Vorys is pleased to announce that Evelyn Lundberg Stratton was awarded the Esther H. Brocker Award by Capital University Law School.
- 9/12/2016Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office was quoted in a New Philadelphia Times Reporter story that focused on the Stepping Up initiative, which aims to reduce the number of mentally ill people in jails and prisons.
- 8/15/2016One-hundred and eleven lawyers from Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017.
- 6/1/2016Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was featured in a Hannah Report story about the Ohio Recovery Summit
- 4/1/2016Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was the focus of a Columbus Dispatch: Daily Briefing story titled “Former Justice Stratton to receive inaugural Terry Collins Award.”
- 3/17/2016Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was the focus of a Hannah Report story titled “Stratton Supports Stepping Up Initiative at State Task Force Meeting.”
- 10/14/2015Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office, testified in favor of proposed legislation that if passed would ban the execution of people in Ohio with diagnosed serious mental illness at the time of the crime.
- 10/6/2015Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was a featured guest on the Thrive and Connect Podcast
- 8/4/2015Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was a guest on the Diane Rehm Show.
- 7/9/2015Eve Stratton was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch story on the success of the RECLAIM (Reasoned and Equitable Community and Local Alternatives to the Incarceration of Minors) Ohio program.
- 5/26/2015Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was profiled in a Hannah Report story.
- 4/24/2015Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch story titled “Advocates Talk 'Over-Criminalization' of Mentally Ill.”
- 3/27/2015Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was quoted in a Lima News story titled “Law Students Urged to Help Mentally Ill.”
- 1/15/2015Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was appointed by Ohio Governor John Kasich as an honorary co-chair of the Ohio Task Force on Community-Police Relations.
- 1/15/2015Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, recently served as the host of the Ohio Supreme Court swearing-in ceremony for Justices Judith French and Sharon Kennedy.
- 12/12/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was quoted in a Dayton Daily News story titled “Ohio Spends $202,502 to Jail Each Juvenile Offender.”
- 10/27/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was featured in a Toledo Blade story titled “UT Summit-Goers Laud Veterans Court.”
- 10/24/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was mentioned in a Hannah Report story on recent speech by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.
- 10/20/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, was quoted in a Journal-News story titled “Butler County Leads by Example in Dealing with Mental Illness.”
- 9/16/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton was the focus of a WHIZ story about the possible formation of veteran’s courts in Ohio.
- 5/2/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, received the Ohio State Bar Association’s (OSBA) highest honor, the Ohio Bar Medal Award, during the 2014 OSBA Annual Convention in Columbus.
- 2/4/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the litigation group, was a featured guest on the Center for Community Solutions’ “High on Ohio” program.
- 12/11/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the litigation group, was the keynote speaker at the ceremonial kickoff of the Montgomery County Veteran’s Treatment Court. Her remarks were included in two news stories.
- 11/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office, participated in the U.S. Rule of Law Initiative 6-day visit to Myanmar (Burma) in November 2013. As a part of the initiative, the bar association delegation of 12 lawyers visited the country to meet with Burmese legal and business contacts.
- 9/26/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, was quoted throughout a Columbus Dispatch story about the progress of the Joint Task Force to Review the Administration of Ohio’s Death Penalty.
- 9/11/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, will serve as a co-chair of a group convened by Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine to review the existing protocols and safeguards currently in place to prevent abuse of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway.
- 8/19/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel of counsel in the Columbus office, was honored with The Justice League of Ohio’s Models of Justice award.
- 6/12/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel of counsel in the Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, was honored by the Franklin Church of the United Brethren on June 2, 2013. She received the Faith and Freedom Appreciation Award, which recognizes individuals who have made it their priority to defend and uphold the constitutional freedoms of all citizens.
- 5/28/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch story titled “Ohio excels in defusing potential tragedies.” The story focused on Ohio’s criminal-justice reform efforts aimed at helping judges and law enforcement officials better understand how to deal with offenders struggling with mental illness.
- 5/28/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, was the focus of a Daily Reporter story on veterans treatment courts. According to the story, Stratton’s efforts were instrumental in reforming Ohio’s criminal-justice system to better assist veterans who returned home with mental illnesses and substance abuse issues.
- 5/7/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office, was honored by the Ohio House of Representatives on May 7, 2013. State Representative Mike Duffey, from Ohio’s 21st House District, presented Stratton with a certificate acknowledging her 16 years of service as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio.
- 3/7/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who served as an Ohio Supreme Court Justice for 16 years, was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch editorial on a proposed statewide police database of criminally mentally ill individuals.
- 2/21/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years on the Ohio Supreme Court, received the AMVETS Past State Department Commanders’ Civil Servant of the Year Award for her work on behalf of veterans.
- 2/20/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who also served for 16 years on the Ohio Supreme Court, was quoted in a Associated Press story entitled “Ohio center giving free legal aid to veterans, active service members is part of growing trend.”
- 2/8/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the firm’s Columbus office who also served for 16 years on the Ohio Supreme Court, was profiled in the Winter 2013 edition of All Rise, the magazine of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
- 1/15/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, who most recently served for 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, joined Vorys. At the firm, she will continue to pursue her passion for public service and provide strategic legal counsel to the firm's clients.
Events
- 10/24/2017Vorys attorney Evelyn Lundberg Stratton spoke at the NAMI Educational Conference on October 24, 2017.
- 9/13/2017Vorys attorney Evelyn Lundberg Stratton spoke at Stepping Up: Practical Solutions for Shutting the Revolving Door of Jail and Mental Illness presented by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio on September 13, 2017.
- 5/17/2017Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at the Legislative Day Luncheon hosted by the Ohio Psychological Association on May 17, 2017.
- 6/1/2016Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at the 2016 Recovery Conference hosted by the Ohio Association of Behavioral Health Authorities on June 1, 2016.
- 5/20/2016Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a keynote speaker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness conference, “Healing the Trauma: A Community Response” on May 20, 2016.
- 5/7/2016Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a panel speaker at the Veterans Treatment Court Conference hosted by Stanford Law Veterans Organization on May 7, 2016.
- 5/3/2016Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at Ohio's 2016 Opiate Conference hosted by the Ohio Association of Behavioral Health Authorities on May 3, 2016.
- 5/1/2016Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a keynote speaker at the 2016 Chief’s In-Service & Annual Conference hosted by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police on May 1, 2016.
- 6/19/2015Eve Stratton was a moderator at the Combat Veterans and the Criminal Justice System: Ways to Help Them & Ways to Improve Their Legal Representation Seminar, hosted by the Federal Bar Association on June 19, 2015.
- 9/15/2014Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at the Veterans First event on September 15, 2014.
- 9/11/2014Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at the 2014 Columbus Veterans Affairs Behavioral Health Summit on September 11, 2014.
- 9/10/2014Vorys attorney Eve Stratton presented the opening remarks at the National Loss Team Conference hosted by The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation on September 10, 2014.
- 7/1/2014Vorys attorney Eve Stratton presented the keynote speech at the 2014 Annual Conference & Justice Institute hosted by the Florida Partners in Crisis on July 1, 2014.
- 12/11/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton presented the keynote speech at the opening of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Veterans Treatment Court on December 11, 2013.
- 10/22/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a presenter at the Child & Youth Behavioral Leadership Summit sponsored by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio on October 22, 2013.
- 10/17/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker for Making the Connection: Veteran Civilian Healthcare Series sponsored by the Chillicothe VA Medical Center and Adena Institute for Learning on October 17, 2013.
- 10/16/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a presenter at the North Carolina District Court Judges Fall Conference on October 16, 2013.
- 10/13/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at the Judicial-Psychiatric Leadership Forum on October 13, 2013.
- 10/1/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton presented at the Models for Change Court Leadership Symposium: What Courts Can Do to Improve Juvenile Justice Reform on October 1-2, 2013.
- 9/28/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton provided welcoming remarks at the Ohio Women’s Veteran Conference on September 28, 2013.
- 9/25/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton presented at the Law Enforcement Leadership in Juvenile Justice Conference sponsored by MacArthur Foundation and the International Association of Chiefs of Police on September 25-26, 2014.
- 9/20/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was a speaker at the American Board of Trial Advocates Fall Dinner on September 20, 2013.
- 5/17/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton was the keynote speaker at the Mental Health and Criminal Justice Summit presented by the National Association on Mental Illness.
- 5/9/2013Vorys attorney Eve Stratton spoke at the Many Faces of Mental Illness Conference on May 9, 2013. Her presentation was titled Veterans Mental Health/Substance Issues; What Can we Do?
- 4/4/2013The Appellate Strategies and Perspectives CLE series was created to provide attorneys interested in appellate law with practical tips and tools, an analysis of emerging trends and issues in the field, and ajudicialviewpoint on the practice. The series, which was co-sponsored by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, included three sessions in 2013, each following a similar format.
Insights
- 3/11/2017Eve Stratton authored an op-ed for the Columbus Dispatch titled “Reforms Would Help Kids Turn Lives Around.”
- 9/26/2016Vorys attorney Eve Stratton authored a blog post for Huckleberry House, a provider of shelter and services to run away, homeless and at risk youth in Franklin county. Her blog post was titled "Mental Health: No Longer the Hidden Disease."
- 5/16/2016The Supreme Court of Ohio recently released its opinion in White v. King,expressly expanding the definition of a “meeting” under Ohio’s Open Meetings Act to include discussions that occur “telephonically, by video conference, or electronically by email, text, or other form of communication.”
- 5/1/2015Eve Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, authored an article for the Daily Reporter titled “Shuttering of Mental Hospitals Led to Flood of Mentally Ill into the Legal System.”
- May/June 2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office who prior to joining Vorys served as justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio for 16 years, co-authored an article for the May/June 2014 edition of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Ohio Lawyer magazine.
- 3/31/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the litigation group, authored an article for the National Law Journal titled "The Judge's Role As an Agent of Change."
- 3/2014Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office, authored a chapter in the book The Attorneys Guide to Defending Veterans in Criminal Court, published by the Veterans Defense Project.
- 10/21/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the Vorys Columbus office, authored an op-ed for the Columbus Dispatch about the successful juvenile-justice reform efforts in Ohio.
- 3/18/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, who prior to joining Vorys served for 16 years on the Ohio Supreme Court, authored an op-ed on the proposed expansion of Ohio’s Medicaid program for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
- 2/13/2013Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, of counsel in the firm’s Columbus office who before joining Vorys served for 16 years on the Ohio Supreme Court, authored an op-ed for the Columbus Dispatch in support of Ohio Senate Bill 350. According to her op-ed, the proposed legislation would allow probate judges to order outpatient treatment for somebody who does not need a full, expensive and often unavailable hospitalization.