Believe in People
Diane Russell is running for Common Pleas Court Judge because she believes our courts should be led by people who understand both the law and the lives of the people it serves.
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Experienced. Fair. Focused on Community and Safety.
Diane Russell has spent her career seeking justice with integrity. As First Assistant at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, she has earned a reputation as fair, accessible, and respectful—qualities that prosecutors and defense attorneys alike have come to rely on when navigating the most complex cases in our justice system.
Diane understands justice. Diane understands rehabilitation.
Her decisions while in the Prosecutor’s office have protected our neighborhoods, upholding the law. But she never forgets that behind every case is a human being who needs care and support to be rehabilitated.
Marcia Fudge | Attorney, Former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Michael C. O'Malley | Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
Annette Blackwell | Mayor, Maple Heights, Ohio
Michael Houser | County Councilman
Meredith Turner | County Councilwoman
June Taylor | Councilwoman, Beachwood, Ohio
Asu Robinson | Councilman, Richmond Heights, Ohio
Judge Michael Nelson | Retired, Cleveland Municipal Court
David Wondolowski
Terry Joyce
Ariane Kirkpatrick | CEO, AKA Construction
Valarie J. McCall
James Hardiman, Esq.
Bill Mason, Esq.
Kevin Spellacy, Esq.
Russell Tye, Esq.
Dean DiPiero, Esq.
Fernando Mack, Esq.
Myron Watson, Esq.
Anthony Jordan, Esq.
Jaye Schlachet, Esq.
Joseph Lonardo, Esq.
Joseph Morse, Esq.
Stanley Jackson, Esq.
Carlos Johnson, Esq.
Larry Zuckerman, Esq.
Brian Kraft, Esq.
Tracy Martin Peebles, Esq.
Andrea Horton, Esq.
Diana Nassar, Esq.
Michael Bowen, Esq.
Bishop Eugene Ward
W. Scott Ramsey, Esq.
Edward Kraus | Mayor, Solon, Ohio
Darnell Brewer | State Representative
Danielle Turner-Birch | Oakwood City Leader
Richard Starr | Cleveland City Councilman
John Patrick Zuercher | Rocky River City Leader
Michael Booker | Tri-City Leader
Courtney Schneff | North Royalton City Leader
Stafford Shenett | Maple Heights City Leader
Twon Billings | East Cleveland City Leader
Dean DiPiero | Mayor, Broadview Heights
Kim A. Thomas | Richmond Heights Council President
Bobby Jordan | Richmond Heights Council Elect
Cherita Shaw | Richmond Heights Councilwoman
Tracy Justice | Richmond Heights Councilwoman
Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus
Diane's Story
Diane Russell grew up in Cleveland's Lee-Harvard neighborhood and attended Cleveland Public Schools before graduating from Lutheran East High School in Cleveland Heights. Her path to the law wasn't a straight line—it was shaped by life's real challenges.
As a young single mother, Diane faced the struggles that too many Cleveland families know all too well. There were times when the electricity, gas, and water were shut off due to financial hardship. She worked as a secretary while raising her son, determined to build a better future.
Diane went back to college as a non-traditional student, balancing school assignments with the demands of family life.
That perseverance carried her through Cleveland State University and ultimately to Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor.
Experience That Matters
For over 20 years, Diane Russell has served the people of Cuyahoga County at the Prosecutor's Office, rising through the ranks based on her dedication, expertise, and leadership.
COVID-19 Leadership: During the pandemic, Diane worked to ensure the safety of attorneys while keeping cases moving so that justice was not stalled. She collaborated with Court staff, the Public Defender's Office, and the Defense Bar to create dedicated dockets for reducing case backlogs.
First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
(2023–Present)
Responsible for the day-to-day management of the entire Prosecutor's Office, working in conjunction with all divisions: Criminal, Civil, Appeals, Children and Family Services, Child Support, Juvenile, Internet Crimes Against Children, and more.
Oversees 235 attorneys and 174 professional staff.
Chief of the Criminal Division
(2017–2023)
Led the charging and resolution of criminal cases across multiple units. Revamped the Diversion Program to give more defendants a path forward without a felony conviction. Served on the Conviction Integrity Unit board, which successfully exonerated ten defendants.
Adjunct Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Teaches Mock Trial, training the next generation of attorneys. Her students won the National Competition in their first year of competition and placed as runners-up the following year.
Why Diane for Judge
In her current role, both prosecutors and defense attorneys rely on Diane's experience, expertise, and life perspective to arrive at the most just outcomes in complex matters. She brings people together—sitting down with counsel on both sides to find resolutions that serve justice while recognizing the humanity in every case.
Diane has supported and collaborated on programs that give people second chances, including Veterans Court, Violence Intervention Programs, Diversion, and Domestic Violence Court. She believes in rehabilitation where appropriate and accountability where necessary.
When new judges take the bench, Diane is the one who greets them, offers her cell phone number, and serves as a resource as they transition into their new role. She knows the court system inside and out—and she's ready to serve from the bench.
What Diane Brings to the Bench:
- 20+ years of experience in the Cuyahoga County justice system
Deep knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and court operations
A reputation for fairness respected by both sides of the courtroom
Life experience that grounds her decisions in real-world understanding
Commitment to programs that reduce recidivism and protect communities
Education & Credentials
Juris Doctor — Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, Social Science — Cleveland State University
Licensed Attorney — Ohio Bar, in good standing
Professional Memberships
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- National Black Prosecutors Association
Recognition
- 2014 Pillar of Justice Award — Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office
Support Diane's Campaign
Diane Russell is running a grassroots campaign to bring experienced, fair leadership to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Your contribution helps spread her message to voters across the county.
Every dollar makes a difference. Your support funds outreach to communities throughout Cleveland and Cuyahoga County—ensuring voters know they have a candidate who understands both the law and the lives of the people it serves.
Contribution Limits:
- Individual contributions: up to $800
- Organization contributions: up to $5,000
- Corporate checks are not accepted
