Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Earle E. Wise Jr. served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case involving whether a lawyer should be suspended for allegedly extorting money from a client.

Judge Wise replaced Justice Michael Donnelly, who recused himself from Disciplinary Counsel v. Thomas A. Shimko.

According to the Ohio Constitution, in the event of a recusal by a justice, the chief justice can select any of the 69 sitting Ohio appellate court judges to sit temporarily on the Supreme Court.

Today was Judge Wise’s first time serving as a visiting judge on the Supreme Court.

“It was a fantastic experience,” Judge Wise said. “It was a privilege to be asked. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a tremendous experience, quite an honor.”

Judge Wise has served on the appellate bench since November 2016. He previously served as a lawyer in Stark and surrounding counties. Judge Wise is a graduate of the College of Wooster and received his law degree from the University of Akron.

The Fifth District Court of Appeals serves 15 counties in central Ohio, and hears cases from county, municipal, and common pleas courts, as well as original actions in habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, procedendo, and quo warranto.

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