Nearly fifteen years of dedicated service — from modernizing the Akron Municipal Drug Court to leading Summit County's only adult felony drug court. A career built on justice, compassion, and community.
Judge Joy Malek Oldfield has served the public as a judge for almost fifteen years, first in the Akron Municipal Court and for the better part of the last ten years on the Summit County Common Pleas Court.
A graduate of John Carroll University and the University of Akron School of Law, she first earned statewide recognition as a top-rated trial attorney, representing individuals facing discrimination, injury, and loss.
Before joining the Common Pleas Court, Judge Joy modernized the Akron Municipal Drug Court. She moved on to preside over Summit County's only adult felony drug court and is a strong advocate for treatment-focused justice.
Judge Joy's leadership has created innovative programs and earned national recognition for shaping best practices in courts nationwide.
Leads Summit County's Felony Drug Court, creating a path to recovery and reducing recidivism through structured support.
FELONY DRUG COURTInnovative recovery initiative connecting participants with faith-based community support as part of holistic rehabilitation.
RECOVERY INITIATIVEPartnership program focused on building strength and resilience in recovery, giving participants tools for lasting change.
RESILIENCE PROGRAMIntroduced Summit County's first therapy dog, Tank, bringing comfort and calm to courtroom proceedings and recovery programs.
FIRST IN SUMMIT COUNTYPresented for SAMHSA, AllRise, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance — helping shape best practices for courts nationwide.
SAMHSA · ALLRISE · BJATeaches Pretrial Advocacy and Problem Solving Courts at the University of Akron School of Law, mentoring the next generation.
U AKRON SCHOOL OF LAWJudge Joy doesn't just preside — she innovates. Her programs have transformed lives and set the standard for treatment-focused justice.
Before joining the Common Pleas Court, Judge Joy modernized the Akron Municipal Drug Court — streamlining processes and improving outcomes for participants seeking recovery.
AKRON MUNICIPAL
Summit County's only adult felony drug court. Under Judge Joy's leadership, the program provides structured treatment, accountability, and a genuine path to lasting recovery.
SUMMIT COUNTY COMMON PLEAS
From the Statehouse to City Hall, law enforcement to labor — a broad coalition stands with Judge Joy.
Judge Joy has dedicated her career to compassion, fairness, and innovative justice. Help her continue that work.
Paid for by Judge Joy Oldfield Committee