“As a judge, I am committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law through the fair, impartial, and respectful administration of justice for every individual who enters my courtroom.”

Judge Michele S. H. Henne

Judge Michele S. H. Henne sitting at the bench, Michele Henne, Keep Judge Henne, Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Dayton, Ohio

Serving as a judge is both a tremendous honor and a profound responsibility. Every day, I work to earn the trust of the people of Ohio by applying the law fairly, treating every person with dignity and respect, and approaching every case with integrity, preparation, and impartiality.

My proven judicial experience, decades of legal practice and community service, and deep commitment to Montgomery County have prepared me to serve with fairness, independence, and sound judgment. Throughout my career, I have been guided by the principle that every person deserves to be heard, every case deserves careful consideration, and every decision must be based on the law and the facts.

I respectfully ask for your support so I can continue serving our community as a fair, trusted, and experienced judge — upholding the rule of law and delivering justice with integrity, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Montgomery County.

My Background

I was raised in Southwest Ohio, where I attended public schools from first grade through graduation. I then remained in the Midwest to attend Washington University in St. Louis before returning to Ohio to attend the University of Dayton School of Law in 2003. (Go Flyers!)

Since then, Dayton and Montgomery County have been my home. It's where I chose to build my life, where I met my husband, Zac, in 2010, and where we are raising our two children, Allyson and Brendan.

Our family has been actively involved in the community over the years. Both of my children have participated in local library programs, including the Library Ambassador Program and Books & Blocks toddler play programs. They have also played on local soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball teams, where I've had the privilege of serving as both a coach and assistant coach.

I believe that being part of a community means more than simply living there — it means investing in the people, organizations, and neighborhoods that make it a great place to call home. Whether through my professional work, volunteering, or supporting local youth and families, I am committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to my family. At the end of the day, I'm a parent, spouse, neighbor, and community member who is grateful to live and work in a place I'm proud to call home.

Judicial Experience

  • Appointed to serve as judge on the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division in 2025 by Governor Mike DeWine after a rigorous vetting process

  • First Asian-American to serve as judge in Montgomery County Court history

  • Actively manages a caseload of approximately 60 Felony Criminal Dockets and 250 Civil Cases

  • Presided over 14 Trials – including 10 felony criminal jury trials involving serious offenses such as homicide, aggravated vehicular homicide, felonious assault, and domestic violence

  • Presided over civil bench and jury trials, involving complex legal issues, including medical malpractice, breach of contract, and personal injury cases

Professional Experience

  • Admitted to practice law in Ohio - May 2007

  • Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio - May 2014

  • Admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court in 2017

  • 13 Years serving as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office

  • Represented Montgomery County Children Services for 3 years

  • 100+ Felony Cases prosecuting a broad range of offenses, including violet crimes, weapons offenses, major drug trafficking, homicides, and sexual assaults

  • Investigated and prosecuted cases involving child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse of children.

  • 6 Years serving as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Greene County Prosecutor’s Criminal Division

Memberships and Honors

“My commitment to public service extends well beyond the courtroom.”

Community involvement

“Outside the legal profession, I remain deeply involved in the community I call home.”

  • Vice President of the Oakwood Junior High and High School Parent-Teacher Organization

  • Classroom Homeroom Parent for 6 Years

  • Secretary of the Oakwood Fine Arts Boosters

  • Secretary of the Wright Memorial Library Foundation Board

  • American Mock Trial Association Regional Volunteer Judge 3 Years (2023, 2025, 2026)

  • University of Dayton School of Law Leadership Honors Program Mentor for 3 Years (2021-2023)

  • Dayton Ballet Associate Board for 3 Years (2009-2011)

  • Oakwood Junior High Tennis Team Coach for 2 Seasons

  • Soccer Coach for 5 Seasons

  • Basketball Coach for 1 Season

Education

  • Raised in Southwest Ohio and attended public school from 1st through 12th grades

  • Graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (ranked #20 in the nation) with B.A. in Political Science and minor in Psychology

  • Graduate of University of Dayton School of Law with Juris Doctor degree