Judge Donte Johnson was born and raised in Cincinnati. He grew up in the city’s West End and Avondale neighborhoods. He is a Cincinnati Public Schools graduate from Clark Montessori High School and an HBCU graduate from Howard University. After college, he returned home to attend law school at the University of Cincinnati, College of Law.

Judge Johnson has dedicated his career to seeking justice and fighting for the people of Hamilton County. He served many years as a Public Defender and Housing Attorney, before starting his own law practice.

His personal and professional experiences make him an ideal Judge for today’s society. During his time on the bench, he has prioritized leading with compassion, equity, and justice.

Judge Johnson is very active in the community and serves as a motivational speaker and mentor to students and young attorneys. He’s a member of the American Judges Association, Ohio Black Judges Association, National Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Cincinnati NAACP, and the League of United Latin American Citizens.