Turning around lives one child at a time.
Turning around lives one child at a time.
From the classroom to the courtroom, Magistrate Rita Rochford brings solid experience to the Juvenile Court.
In 1982, Magistrate Rochford graduated cum laude from The University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She continued her education at the university’s School of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor in 1985.
She served as Deputy Law Director/Prosecutor for the City of Stow from 1985 to 1992, while also maintaining a partnership in the law firm of Martin, Rochford and Durr, representing clients in criminal, civil, juvenile and domestic relations.
As a teacher at The University of Akron, Magistrate Rochford taught such courses as Criminal Law for Police, Evidence and Criminal Legal Process, Introduction to Criminal Justice and the Juvenile Justice Process.
Magistrate Rochford came to Juvenile Court in January 2003, where she directs the Citizen’s Review Board. The Citizen’s Review Board is responsible for reviewing the cases of children placed in the permanent custody of the Children’s Services Board. Magistrate Rochford also hears delinquency cases.
Her community activism includes her membership on a commission formed by former Cleveland Catholic Diocese Bishop Anthony Pilla where she was charged with rendering recommendations to the Diocese for a policy concerning child sexual abuse.
She has also served on the Battered Women’s Shelter Board of Trustees and remains active with the St. Vincent DePaul Parish Board and the Executive Board of the Christ Child Society of Akron.
Magistrate Rochford resides in Akron with her husband. They have four children.
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