A Powerful Advocate
Fueled by her passion for advocacy and service, Evelyn Lundberg Stratton ’79 continues to make a difference in the lives of many Ohioans. She has used her legal expertise at the highest levels while still maintaining her dedication to mental health work. Throughout her entire life and career, Stratton’s determination has helped her accomplish her own goals and inspire others along the way.
Following a calling
Stratton’s exposure to and interest in advocacy started early in her life. She grew up in southeast Asia, where her parents were missionaries. Rooted in an appreciation of service and giving back, law seemed like a path Stratton could pursue where these values were evident.
Stratton came to Ohio State Law knowing she wanted to be a judge. But in such a male-dominated field, it was going to be difficult.
“I thought of being a judge as my calling,” Stratton said. “I didn't tell anybody because, at that time, you couldn't tell people if you wanted to do something like that as a woman. You got a different reputation than men. I kept very quiet about it, but I put a plan in place to get there.”
Throughout her time in law school, Stratton studied hard during the days and worked at the Lazarus cosmetic counter at nights. She has fond memories of professors who taught her how to think like a lawyer, like Professors Wills, Clovis, Sorensen, and Anderson. Stratton learned about the types of skills lawyers need through clerking during her last two years. The hands-on experience helped her build the foundation she needed to reach her goal of becoming a judge.
Realizing purpose
Stratton’s dream became a reality when she became the first woman elected to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in 1989. As she served on the bench, she noticed something about the individuals coming into her court room.
“Many of my defendants were struggling with drug addiction and mental illness,” she remembers. “And I didn't know what to do about it. That's where I started my advocacy - when I saw it in my court in my courtroom.”
Stratton’s passion for mental health remained as she continued to thrive as a judge. She was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court by Gov. George Voinovich in 1996, then re-elected to three six-year terms. After about five years on the Supreme Court, Stratton had a “eureka” moment.
“I realized this is why I had this job as a judge,” she said.
“It gave me the power to make change in this area that not as many people were focused on. That became my mission.”
Because of her position, she met people from state agencies, statewide associations, and national organizations advocating for individuals with mental illness. Stratton made connections and brought people together to work on advocating for mental health. She formed and chaired the Supreme Court of Ohio Advisory Committee on Mental Illness & the Courts, which has helped establish 44 mental health courts and 23 veterans' courts in Ohio.
Stratton considers her advocacy work and the difference it has made her greatest professional accomplishment. In recognition of her work, she has also received many honors, including the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Adoption Excellence Award and the Ohio State Association of Veterans’ Service Commissions Outstanding Service Award. In 2008, she received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a highly prestigious national award that honors the contributions of individuals working to better the country and their community. In 2021, Stratton was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
Continuing to serve
Since stepping down from the Supreme Court of Ohio, Stratton has continued to zealously advance her cause of better mental health support, especially for veterans. She serves as the Ohio program director for Stepping Up, a national initiative aimed to reduce the overincarceration of people with mental illnesses. Stratton estimates she spends about 80 percent of her time collaborating, advocating, and spreading information about the work. The other 20 percent she spends as counsel and appellate coach with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease.
“I help attorneys write briefs and argue cases, because you don't really get what really works until you've been there,” she explained. “I'm really glad I have this opportunity – I get to use my legal training, and I really have fun with it.”
With all that she has experienced and accomplished, Stratton has many insights she can share. The advice she gives young professionals is helpful in both their professional and personal lives. She encourages them to develop plans for at least the next five years, and to always put their family first. She also emphasizes the importance of developing authentic relationships.
“I started out of law school scheduling lunches for four out of five days of the work week,” she said. “Whether it's business relationships or professional relationships - go out and build them because that's key.”
Energized by her passion for helping others, Stratton continues to be an inspirational advocate and exceptional legal professional. Her impact is felt across the state of Ohio and in the lives of many of its citizens.