Lake County Juvenile Court's Sharon DeLembo Named Ohio's Top Clerk

At Lake County Juvenile Court, the work that keeps case files complete, hearings scheduled and records available often happens beyond public view. Sharon DeLembo, a deputy clerk at the court, has been named the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Clerks' Clerk of the Year for 2026. Announced June 25, the honor is the state's highest award for juvenile court clerks.

Ohio has 88 juvenile courts, one juvenile division operating within the Court of Common Pleas in each county. The Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Clerks provides professional development, conferences and networking opportunities to improve court administration and service quality across these courts. DeLembo was sworn in as a deputy clerk by Judge Michael L. DeLeone in April 2024.

A juvenile court clerk manages the administrative and operational backbone of the court. Clerks manage court dockets, assign case numbers, track official documents and schedule hearings with legal counsel. They process motions, complaints, petitions, pleadings, orders and judgments, verifying all documents for correctness and completeness. They maintain comprehensive court records, journal entries and minutes of proceedings. Clerks also respond to requests for information from attorneys and the public regarding hearings, support and custody cases, and receive payments for fines, court costs and restitution.

Every delinquency complaint, dependency case and truancy filing in Lake County flows through the clerk's office, where administrative precision determines whether hearings are scheduled promptly, documents reach the right hands and vulnerable youth move through the system without delay. Errors or delays can stall critical interventions for children in crisis or those involved in the justice system.

DeLembo was recognized for her unwavering commitment to bettering the court, mentoring new staff and serving the public with patience and dignity. She consistently steps in wherever needed to ensure operations run smoothly, demonstrating dedication that extends far beyond standard clerk duties. She takes pride in mentoring and training new team members, investing time to ensure they feel confident, capable and supported. Colleagues rely on her for her knowledge, expertise and positive attitude, approaching every task, whether routine or complex, with professionalism.

Judge DeLeone highlighted DeLembo's patience and dignity in serving the public, noting that she treats community members with respect and care to help them navigate the court system. That quality takes on particular significance in juvenile court, where families often arrive confused, overwhelmed or in crisis.

"Sharon is an asset to Juvenile Court, and we are fortunate to have her on our team," Judge Michael L. DeLeone, of the Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, said.

The Lake County Juvenile Court is located at 53 East Erie Street, Painesville, Ohio, and operates under Judge DeLeone with exclusive jurisdiction over individuals under 18 regarding traffic offenses, delinquency, unruly behavior, abuse, neglect or dependency.