The courts are where people most directly interact with the government, on their best and worst days. Judges owe tremendous responsibility to the defendants, victims, lawyers, witnesses and families that appear before them. They must apply the laws fairly, with dispassion; but also a measure of compassion. 

Carl Aveni was raised by a public school teacher and a social worker, who each instilled in him a dedication to his craft and a drive to improve the lives of those around him.  As a young boy, Carl saved for college by working as a professional clown at children’s birthday parties on evenings and weekends. He also worked as a paperboy, swim instructor, lifeguard, grocery clerk, and spent one memorable summer working on a pig farm. These experiences gave him the ability to see the world through many lenses and developed his sense of fairness and equity.  

After college and law school, Carl set about honing his skills as a litigator and courtroom lawyer. Twenty-four years later, he is a leading Partner at a well regarded Columbus law firm. His career has taken him to courtrooms across Ohio, to our courts of appeals, and even to the Ohio Supreme Court, where he won not only for his clients but for the safety and benefit of the public. He is a frequent lecturer and presenter on trial and evidentiary topics, training lawyers how to present their cases to juries. 

Carl is committed to our community, currently serving on the boards of the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation and the Kaleidoscope Youth Center. He is an Eagle Scout, and spent 7 years as the proud Den Leader of Den 4, Cub Scout Pack 74.  His greatest accomplishment however, is being the husband of Valerie and dad to Lucy and Eamon.