Uncrowned Community Builders

E. Jeannette Ogden is a Buffalo City Court Judge presently presiding over the Domestic Violence Court. Mayor Anthony M. Masiello appointed Judge Ogden to the Court in June of 1995. He cited her broad based experience in the law as the basis for her appointment. In November of 1995, she was elected to serve a ten-year term on the City Court. She has handled thousands of civil and criminal cases since her appointment to the bench and has developed the reputation of being a no nonsense Judge.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Ogden worked as a trial attorney for CIGNA Insurance Company where she defended corporations, school districts, hospitals, and municipalities while at the same time operating her own private law practice. She also is a former Prosecutor from the Erie County District Attorney's Office and a former Assistant County Attorney.

Judge Ogden is a graduate of Buffalo Public Schools and Buffalo State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and presently teaches. She received her Juris Doctorate Degree from the University at Buffalo, School of Law and also instructs courses in Trial Technique and Mental Health Issues in Criminal Law.

Her professional affiliations include memberships on the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, the Gender and Racial Fairness Committee for the Courts, and the New York State and American Association of Women Judges. She is a member and past President of the Women Lawyers of Western New York, Co-Chairperson of the Diversity Committee of the Women's Bar Association of Western New York and a member of various other Bar Associations.

Hard work and community service have always been important values to the Judge. She is a former member of the Erie Community College Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of America, Inc.; Legal Services for the Elderly and Disabled; Indigent Prisoners Association; and Sheehan Memorial Hospital. She also provided free legal services to many local churches, community based organizations, and block clubs.

Judge Ogden presently serves as a mentor to students in elementary, high school, college, and law school. She is a member of the Erie County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the Women's Group; Business and Professional Women's Association; NAACP, Mt. Olive Development Corp.; and the League of Women Voters.

Judge Ogden is the recipient of many awards and acknowledgement for her long-standing community involvement. She exemplifies the product of hard work, perseverance, and commitment. She attributes all of her accomplishments to the support of a loving family and a strong belief in God. She is a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church and resides in Buffalo with her family.