Having served the public in various military and legal roles for more than 30 years, Judge Kevin W. Popham of the Fifth District Court of Appeals felt honored and excited to hear a Supreme Court of Ohio case as an assigned judge.

“Being selected to sit on the Supreme Court feels like the culmination of a lifetime spent honoring the law, serving the public, and carrying the weight of every difficult decision with integrity,” Judge Popham said.

During oral arguments on June 10, Judge Popham sat for Justice Daniel R. Hawkins, who recused himself. Judge Popham heard Caradimitropoulo v. Kruse, Case No. 2025-1641. The case, a question from a federal court, asks which circumstances enable a court-appointed receiver to claim immunity in a lawsuit that holds the receiver personally liable for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The Ohio Constitution allows the chief justice to appoint an appellate judge to hear a case when there is a recusal.

Ahead of oral arguments, Judge Popham noted the magnitude of serving on Ohio’s highest court.

“I feel the history of the moment. Walking into the Courtroom and taking a seat among the justices would make anyone reflect on the judges and lawyers who came before them,” he said.

Judge Emerges From Tragedy to Triumph
Without any college graduates – let alone lawyers – in his family, Judge Popham never envisioned a future in law while growing up in Columbus, Ohio.

That changed when, at age 20, he found himself testifying in the trial of a man charged with killing his father. Despite the overwhelming nature of his grief, he couldn’t help but feel inspired by the professionalism and empathy of the trial judge, John D. Martin. 

“Out of that horrific situation came my desire to administer justice,” Judge Popham reflected.

Former Fairfield County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin’s influence eventually led Judge Popham to Capital University, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1996. After graduating, he gained extensive legal experience as a staff attorney and magistrate at the Ohio Court of Claims and as an assistant attorney general in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. He also was a private-practice defense attorney working in medical malpractice litigation, and a senior trial attorney at an insurance company. These diverse roles paved his path to the bench, which he joined in February 2025 after winning the November 2024 general election for the Fifth District Court of Appeals.

Now, over a year into his judicial career, Judge Popham admits that he hasn’t quite gotten used to his latest title: “Being a first-time judge after almost 30 years in practice, when people call me ‘judge,’ I still look around the room to see who they are talking to!”

Career Reflects Dedication to Service
Judge Popham’s dedication to the public precedes his legal career. After graduating from the ROTC program at Franklin University in 1990, he served for 20 years in the Army Reserve as both an enlisted soldier and officer before retiring as a captain.

Judge Popham said he developed several crucial skills and values he brings to the bench from his military experience. Specifically, he attributes his “preparedness, patience, humility, attention to detail, organization, and respect” to his days in the Army Reserve.

Judge Popham takes pride in his work and hopes to establish a legacy of professionalism, courtesy, and fairness. That said, his motivation isn’t a desire for recognition but instead a deep sense of responsibility to the people he serves.

“I feel a sense of duty that, for however long I wear the robe and in whatever court I may sit, the people who appear before me are counting on my wisdom, restraint, fairness, and courage to make the right decision,” Judge Popham explained.

As he advances in his career, Judge Popham stays grounded by remembering his roots.

“I grew up in a middle-class, blue-collar family – not one who could ever imagine their son sitting on Ohio’s highest court,” Judge Popham said. “It has been a long, hard, circuitous path to this day, but I know my mom and dad would be proud of this accomplishment.”