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About Aletha
I graduated from Marlington High School, in Alliance, Ohio. Following high school, I attended the University of Akron and in 1989 graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. In 1992, I received my law degree from the University of Akron School of Law. While in law school, I served on the University of Akron’s Law Review.
In 1995, I began working for the Hon. John W. Wise at the Fifth District Court of Appeals. In that role, I assisted with the researching and drafting of over 1,000 appellate court opinions on civil, criminal, and original actions.
In 2011, I entered private practice with Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. I advised and represented clients in all phases of litigation with an emphasis on appellate law. In my appellate practice, I drafted motions and briefs, and I presented oral arguments. My appellate practice included matters before the Ohio Supreme Court.
In 2018, I became one of twenty-five attorneys in Ohio who are certified in appellate law from the Ohio State Bar Association.
I returned to the Fifth District Court of Appeals in 2019 where I established the court’s appellate mediation program. I currently serve as the court’s mediation attorney, and I work with attorneys and their clients throughout the Fifth District's fifteen counties.
I recognize the importance of this court to the residents of the Fifth District because it is the last stop for most cases in the litigation process. If elected judge, I will strive to maintain the court’s status as one of the most efficient appellate courts in Ohio—fairly and impartially serving all who come before it.
I have been involved in my community as a Rotarian for over twenty-five years, and I serve on:
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the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct,
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Hills and Dales Village Council,
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Canton Ballet Board,
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OSBA Appellate Law Certification Committee, and
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Friends of the Children’s Network.
I am also a member of the Stark County and Ohio State Bar Associations. In 2022, I completed my term as president of the Stark County Bar Association.
My husband, Daniel Vaughn, and I have one dog, Izzy. In my spare time, I enjoy taking ballet lessons at the Canton School of Ballet, reading, gardening, and spending time with family.
Judicial Philosophy
I will fairly and impartially apply the law as written to the facts of each case. I respect the three branches of government, and I understand each branch has a separate and distinct role to play in our government.
Judges should interpret the law based on precedent and avoid results-oriented decisions. Judges should act professionally at all times to their fellow jurists and those parties who appear before them. Above all, judges should maintain the highest level of ethics and morals to ensure the integrity of the judiciary.