Former Chief Justice Eric S. Brown, who briefly helmed the Ohio Supreme Court after the sudden passing of Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer in 2010, was honored with a portrait presentation at the Supreme Court building. According to a ceremony account by Court News Ohio, the event was not just about a stint leading Ohio's highest court but celebrated his extensive, ongoing dedication to public service.
When it was time to find a replacement for Moyer, then-Governor Ted Strickland chose Brown, valuing his longstanding commitment to public education and his readiness to tackle tough issues. At the ceremony, Strickland praised Brown's service, noting his term as a Franklin County Probate Court Judge and his significant work on various platforms. As Strickland unveiled the portrait, he not only acknowledged Brown's contributions but also spotlighted his family's public service, with special nods to Brown's wife Marilyn's multiple terms as a Franklin County commissioner, and their daughter Beryl, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. "This family's dedication to public service runs deep. And their actions inspire all of us," Strickland said in a statement obtained by Court News Ohio.
During his time on the bench, Brown didn't vie for more terms, instead continuing his service with an eight-year tenure on the Columbus City School Board of Education. His drive in the legal field was never for personal accolades or earning potential but to provide valuable assistance to those in need. "In fact, my professional dreams never touched on being elected to the bench or earning the highest billable hour. I was motivated by the opportunity to help people whose lives would benefit from sound legal advice," Brown told Court News Ohio.
Justice Jennifer Brunner, who presided over the ceremony, reflected on Brown's varied service to Ohio, his career spanning from assistant attorney general to school board member and beyond his judicial roles. "The service that Eric has given our community, and our state, is really beyond what I think any of us have seen because we've known Eric in so many different roles and walks of life," Brunner remarked, according to Court News Ohio. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy of the Thomas J. Moyer Foundation accepted Brown's portrait, crafted by the retired attorney and artist Gregory Gibson. She hoped the portrait would remind future generations of Brown's unwavering commitment to public service.
Highlighting a critical issue in Ohio, Brown pointed out the insufficient access to justice, particularly in rural areas suffering from an attorney shortage. He challenged young Ohioans to study law and return to their communities to make a difference. "I issue this challenge to high school and college students across this great state. Make a difference in the lives of others. Go to law school, earn a degree, then return home to help those in urgent need of legal counsel. Few professions are as deeply rewarding as ours," according to Court News Ohio. Brown concluded with a clear call to action for the future.
