Judge Brian Corrigan Retires
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Brian J. Corrigan retires Friday, January 13, after 30 years on the Bench.
Judge Corrigan was elected in November of 1991 and was sworn in on January 13, 1992. He was re-elected to four additional six-year terms, spending his entire career in courtroom 22-A. In Ohio, a person can no longer run for Judge after they turn 70, a milestone Judge Corrigan reached in 2021.
“It’s a singularly great honor to be in this position,” Judge Corrigan says. “Anything I’ve done well I can’t take full credit for. Any success that I may enjoy is their (the Court employees) success too. We’re lucky that we have the people we have.”
A Cleveland native, Judge Corrigan graduated from St. Ignatius High School and attended the University of Dayton. He received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and joined the bar in 1984. He practiced law for seven years before running for Judge.
“He’s been my roommate since I became a Judge,” adds Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan, who shares an office suite with Judge Corrigan. “I’ve learned so much from him in my 13 years on the Bench. He’s a great colleague and a good friend. He will be missed.”
Judge Corrigan sat for an interview to discuss his time on the Court, which is posted below. It is also available in audio form through our Court’s “On The Record” podcast.
As for being on the Bench for three decades, Judge Corrigan is philosophical. “Like they say, the days go by slowly, but the years go by quickly.” He is looking forward to traveling and wants visit Paris and Quebec. Judge Corrigan will also keep tinkering on cars and the vintage arcade games he has in his basement.
Judge Corrigan’s seat is being taken over by Judge Deborah Turner, who sought the six-year term in the November election. Governor Mike DeWine has appointed Judge Joan Synenberg to Judge Turner’s docket.