MEET JUDGE JOY MALEK OLDFIELD

Judge Joy Malek Oldfield black judge's robe smiling, sitting at a wooden bench in a courtroom or judge's chamber.

Judge Joy

Judge Joy 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. She has dedicated her career to justice, compassion, and community.

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 Malek Oldfield is sitting at a bench in a courtroom with the seal of The University of Akron behind her, flanked by American flags.

Accomplishments in Office

Judge Joy leads the Turning Point Program (Felony Drug Court). Through her leadership, Judge Joy has created and participated in innovative recovery initiatives—Faith in Recovery, Y-STRONG, and the introduction of Summit County’s first therapy dog, Tank—all aimed at supporting holistic recovery and reducing recidivism.

A nationally recognized voice on addiction and trauma-informed care, Judge Oldfield has presented for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), AllRise and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), helping shape best practices for courts nationwide. She also teaches Pretrial Advocacy and Problem Solving Courts at the University of Akron School of Law, mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

Her work has earned numerous awards, including the Trailblazer Award from Summit County ADM, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Committed to the Cause of Justice” Award, the “Road to Recovery” Award, and the Freedom House for Women “Courage to Change” Award.

Judge Oldfield is deeply engaged in the community as a Fellow of the Akron Bar Foundation, a Circle of Empowerment member for the Women’s Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, a member of 100 Women Strong, and a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Insight Akron program.

Awards

Judge Joy Malek Oldfield holding an award, smiling at a formal event.

  • 2025, Summit County ADM Board, Dr. Robert “Bob” Smith Innovation Trailblazer Award

  • 2023, Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association President’s Award

  • 2022, Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award, Distinguished Service in the Field of Law

  • 2021, Athena Akron Leadership Award Semi-Finalist

  • 2021, University of Akron School of Law, John R. Quine Most Outstanding Adjunct Professor of the Year Award

  • 2020, Mothers on a Mission Akron Chapter, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Committed to the Cause of Justice” Award

  • 2020, Providence Baptist Church “Juanita Shepherd Service” Award

  • 2018, County of Summit Intercession for Dependency (CSID) “Road to Recovery” Award

  • 2017, Freedom House for Women, “Courage to Change” Award

  • 2011, University of Akron School of Law Distinguished Service Award, Board of Trustees

  • 2007 – 2010, 26 th -29 th Editions Marquis Who’s Who of American Women, Member

  • 2007, 2010, 2011 Cincinnati Magazine, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Ohio Edition, Member

  • 2007 Ohio Association for Justice, Distinguished Service Award

  • 2008, Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce “30 for the Future” Award

An award plaque from the Women's Endowment Fund honoring Judge Joy Malek Oldfield for nine years of service from 2015 to 2024.