Judge Robert Jones was appointed to the bench by Governor Mike DeWine in November of 2023. He began his work immediately and continues to support Lucas County families and juveniles by using his legal skills in a way that promotes compassion, accountability and collaboration; all tools that will bring success for Lucas County families and community.

Prior to becoming Lucas County Juvenile Judge, he worked as a Magistrate in Lucas County Juvenile Court for 12 years. During that time, he presided over thousands of cases in the areas of delinquency, child support, and other civil matters related to healthy families. He has worked collaboratively with the service providers in juvenile court including Court Appointed Special Advocate attorneys, domestic violence advocates, probation and law enforcement agencies, social workers and others to promote safe, healthy children and families.

Presiding over a variety of case types, he has worked closely with families and children of Lucas County as well as the court’s numerous community partners. Prior to being appointed as a Magistrate, Judge Jones worked as a trial attorney for the Child Support Enforcement Agency. Working in the Juvenile Court, he guided families through the complicated and emotional task of establishing paternity, as well as setting child support to help provide a path to permanency and economic safety for Lucas County children.

Early in his career Judge Jones spent time as a prosecutor in the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office. He began his time in the Adult Division but found that work was primarily focused on punishment and not change. He quickly moved to Juvenile Court and has spent the majority of his legal career in the court where he now sits as Judge. There he discovered the work allowed for the Court to help guide families through accountability and rehabilitation. Once motivated by this opportunity, he has remained dedicated to this mission.

Judge Jones is a lifelong resident of Lucas County. He attended St. John’s Jesuit High School and graduated from the Ohio State University where he studied history. He obtained his law degree from the University of Toledo – College of Law, where he met his wife Shannon, who is the Director of Advocacy at a legal services organization in Michigan. Judge Jones also has prior experience in the family construction business, including time spent in the field and as legal counsel. He has worked in sales in the telecommunications industry, working with small, family-owned businesses. His varied work experience has allowed him to meet and work with various people throughout Lucas County. 



Judge Jones is married to his wife of 21 years, Shannon, who is the Director of Advocacy at a civil legal aid organization in Michigan. They have 2 beautiful daughters, Katelyn and Madison. Katelyn is a freshman in college, working towards a degree in athletic training. Madison is an active sophomore at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo where she is a member of the soccer and basketball teams. Judge Jones’ family is rooted in this community, and they are parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Sylvania. Watching his own children grow and interacting with their friends has allowed him to see the effort and commitment necessary for children to thrive.