A Legal Career Journey Through Twists And Turns

Judge Mary Kay Ryan Fenlon, newly elected to the Franklin County Municipal Court, is here to discuss her career journey, as well as the value and impact we can all make by our willingness to devote our time and talent to our community.

Judge Fenlon was born and raised in Columbus OH, and has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Her legal career has spanned many different opportunities including private practice, government, and corporate law. Judge Fenlon has also been a mentor to young lawyers and has given back to her community through volunteer work for the Columbus Legal Aid Society’s TAP program and the Franklin County Court’s Juvenile Justice Restoration program.

Judge Fenlon also founded a nonprofit called, “Rock and Roll Over Brain Cancer,” which raises funding for The Ohio State University’s James Cancer Hospital to support their research on this dreaded disease.

Judge Fenlon graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s in Criminology and her J.D. is from Capital University Law School.

During the episode, we:

• Explore Encore Careers:  You'll hear about information and experiences on a career journey for those moving into new directions or new industries.   
• Review of and emphasize the importance of encore careers. Are there programs and services available to Central Ohio citizens regarding encore careers?
• Offer a path for those 50+ in Central Ohio. Emphasizing the value of staying in a career even later in life. And how valuable it is to the value you personally, your family, and your community.
• Resources we talk about in this episode

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson