Experience. Innovation. Justice for All.
Bringing 39+ years of experience in law, proven leadership, and a commitment to making justice accessible to everyone in the 11th District Court of Appeals in Trumbull County, Ohio.

Judge David L. Engler is dedicated to protecting the constitutional freedoms that define our nation. With faith, family, and community at the heart of his work, he stands as a guardian for our seniors, our loved ones, and our children.
With almost 40 years of experience in law, combined with a proven track record of making the legal system easier to understand and use, Judge Engler is uniquely qualified to serve on the Court of Appeals. He has dedicated his career to protecting families, defending those who can't defend themselves, and making sure justice is real for every person who comes to court.
Judge Engler is committed to keeping the families of Trumbull County safe. Too often, we see judges releasing violent criminals without thinking about the safety of our community. As your Appeals Court Judge, he will make sure that court decisions put public safety first and protect our families from those who would harm them. Our community deserves judges who understand that justice must balance compassion with accountability, and who will stand firm in protecting innocent people from violent offenders.
As your Appeals Court Judge, Judge Engler will bring the same dedication to openness, efficiency, and compassion that has defined his time as a judge. He believes that our legal system must change to meet the needs of modern families while upholding the timeless principles of fairness and justice.
"I credit my Christian faith in God for opening the door to serve, and I am committed to serving with integrity, wisdom, and compassion for all who seek justice."
Judge David L. Engler became the Trumbull County Family Court Judge on November 5, 2024. With almost 40 years of experience in law, Judge Engler brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the bench.
He earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1985 and his Bachelor's degree from the same school in 1982. Since graduation, Judge Engler has been a practicing attorney with over 30 years of courtroom experience, focusing on family law issues and cases involving abused children.
Judge Engler has practiced law in 20 of Ohio's 88 counties, and he is licensed in 4 federal courts, the 6th District U.S. Court of Appeals, and has even practiced before the United States Supreme Court. He is married to Diane Engler, a Stark County native, and together they have three children, two stepdaughters, four sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
Continue finding new ways to make the legal system understandable and accessible to all citizens, including those without a lawyer. Expand educational programs that make court procedures easier to understand.
Bring proven efficiency improvements to the appeals court, making sure cases are resolved in a timely manner while respecting people's time and maintaining the highest standards of review.
Use 39+ years of family law experience to make sure court decisions put the best interests of children and families first, while following established law and constitutional principles.
Apply business experience in technology to modernize court operations, improve transparency, and make it easier for the public to access court proceedings and decisions.
Maintain a balanced approach that combines legal knowledge with understanding of how court decisions affect real people, making sure justice is both fair and compassionate.
Continue the tradition of public service shown through 22 years on school and career center boards, bringing community perspective to court decision-making.
Served the citizens of Youngstown through dedicated representation on the City Council, addressing local issues and community needs.
Provided leadership and oversight for Mahoning County government operations, working to improve services for all county residents.
Dedicated over two decades to improving education as a member of the Mahoning County School Board, shaping policies and programs for students.
Served 22 years on the Career Center Board, helping prepare students for successful careers through job training and technical education programs.
Developed innovative software solutions for jail management systems that are widely used across the United States, improving efficiency and operations in jails nationwide.
Created specialized software for the guardianship industry, helping protect vulnerable individuals and streamline guardianship processes across multiple areas.
Judge Engler's TikTok series (@judgingdavid2) shows his commitment to making the legal system understandable and accessible to all citizens.
Follow @judgingdavid2 on TikTok for more helpful videos about family law, divorce, and court procedures.
Judge Engler pioneered a groundbreaking program to make the legal system more accessible by creating self-help videos and guides. These videos cover how to fill out court documents, what to expect during hearings, and proper courtroom behavior for both in-person and virtual proceedings.
"The goal is to take fear out of the legal process for those without attorneys and to make parents realize that their children are to be put first in any divorce."
Together with Administrative Judge Samuel F. Bluedorn, Judge Engler issued a notice to all local attorneys setting forth new expectations for court proceedings, emphasizing respect for the public's time and making sure people understand what is happening in their cases.
"We must respect the public's time. People often must take off work, so ensuring that attorneys are punctual and prepared is our way of respecting the people of Trumbull County."
Your contribution helps bring experienced, innovative, and principled leadership to the 11th District Court of Appeals. Every donation makes a difference in our mission to serve justice for all.
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Committee to Elect David L. Engler
11th District Court of Appeals
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (330) 675-2600
Important: Ohio campaign finance laws require that we collect certain information from contributors. Contributions are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Corporate contributions are prohibited. Contributions from individuals are limited by Ohio law.
PAID FOR BY: A JUDICIAL TURNING POINT
MIKE WILSON, TREASURER
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