Ferrall Highlights Legal Background, Community Involvement in Auglaize County Judge Race

WAPAKONETA — Auglaize County Common Pleas Court candidate Zach Ferrell says his background in law, public service, and community involvement has prepared him to serve in the county’s juvenile, probate, and domestic relations court.

Ferrell, a St. Marys native, said his interest in law began early through family influences and a curiosity about how laws shape everyday life. He graduated from St. Marys Memorial High School in 2005, studied criminal justice at Wright State University and the University of Cincinnati, and later earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University.

Ferrell said he returned home after college and began practicing law in St. Marys in 2012. He joined the Noble, Montague, and Moul firm and also served as assistant law director before later being elected law director for the City of St. Marys.

During the interview, Ferrell outlined a legal background that includes private practice, municipal prosecution, estate planning, probate matters, family law, litigation, and real estate work. He said that experience matches many of the issues handled by the court seat he is seeking.

Farrell also said he has experience representing individuals in mental illness hearings through appointments from Auglaize County Probate Court. He described that work as important and said it involves making sure proper legal procedures are followed while advocating for the interests of the person involved.

In discussing his broader legal service, Ferrell pointed to his role on the Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors, where he said he has helped review pending legislation and support initiatives aimed at encouraging more attorneys to practice in rural Ohio.

Faerell said juvenile court requires a balance of firmness and fairness, with the emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment. He said the court often becomes part of the structure meant to steer young people away from deeper trouble, especially when they lack support elsewhere.

He also emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying his work with organizations such as Rotary, United Way, the YMCA, Summerfest, and M.A.V. Youth Mentoring has helped him better understand the needs of local children and families. Farrell said he wants the court to operate with a servant’s heart and to be a helpful resource for the public.

Ferrell noted that he received the Builder of Bridges Award in St. Marys, a recognition he said reflects service that connects organizations and benefits the wider community.

On probate matters, Ferrell also encouraged families to do more planning ahead of time, saying wills are important but that other legal tools can also help families avoid unnecessary probate proceedings.

Ferrell is a candidate for the Auglaize County Common Pleas Court seat handling juvenile, probate, and domestic relations matters. He said voters can find more information through his campaign website and Facebook page.