Michael C. Mentel earned his bachelor's degree in history and political science and his Juris Doctor degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. In law school, he studied international contract law during a semester at Trinity College, Dublin, through the University of San Diego School of Law. Later in his career, he received a Doctor of Humane Letters, Humana Causa, from Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, Ohio.

 

Mentel currently serves as an Ohio Appellate Court Judge. He was in the private practice of law for thirty-three years before joining the Court of Appeals. Before taking the bench, he was a partner at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister. He has also served as the Chief Legal Officer for two engineering firms and a governmental regulatory authority. He was privileged to begin his legal career as a Public Defender, representing the indigent and disadvantaged at various stages of the criminal justice system. During his years in private practice, he was honored to receive recognition from his peers in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers & Partners. Mentel is currently admitted to practice in Ohio, The United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio, The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and The United States Supreme Court.

 

Mentel is a member of a family with a proud history of public service. While in private practice, he served eleven years as a Columbus City Council member, including three of those years as its President. Mentel has received numerous awards and recognitions for his service to the community. He has served on various boards, including those addressing the challenges of affordable housing, neighborhood activity centers for youth, and domestic violence. In 2023, the National Committee on American Foreign Policy invited Mentel to participate in a round table discussion about the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which the British Parliament enacted in the fall of that year. This Bill abolished all civil and criminal prosecutions against British soldiers and others for offenses committed during the Troubles.