Julia R. Bates made history in 1996 when Lucas County voters elected her as their first female prosecuting attorney, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in public service that continues to this day. With a career spanning over four decades, Julia has transformed the prosecutor's office into a dynamic force for justice and community support.

A proud graduate of Wittenberg University and the University of Toledo College of Law, Julia began her career in 1976 as a legal intern at the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office. Her dedication and legal acumen quickly became apparent, leading to her eventual election as Prosecuting Attorney—a position the community has trusted her with for eight consecutive terms.

 

As the leader of an office with more than 110 professionals, Julia has initiated numerous innovative programs that reflect her commitment to justice and community welfare. Among her most impactful initiatives are the Domestic Violence High Risk Team, the Cold Case Unit, and the recently launched Conviction Integrity Unit. Under her leadership, the Cold Case Unit has brought closure to families by solving long-dormant cases, including the landmark conviction in the Sister Margaret Ann Pahl case and justice for 14-year-old Eileen Adams after more than 40 years.

 

Beyond the courtroom, Julia's heart for service shines through in her extensive community involvement. She can often be found participating in child abuse awareness campaigns, supporting Mom's House for at-risk single parents, or even competing in the Read for Literacy Spelling Bee. Her dedication to youth and education is evident in her decade of service as a Sunday School teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church and her support of various youth-focused organizations.

​

When she's not serving the community, Julia enjoys time with her family, including her husband, retired Judge James D. Bates, their four children, and five grandchildren. She's also known to enjoy a round of golf—and proudly boasts a hole-in-one at South Toledo Golf Club!

​

Julia maintains an open-door policy with her staff, believing that shared knowledge and experience create the strongest team. Her approach combines professional excellence with personal warmth, making her not just an effective prosecutor, but a beloved community leader who has devoted her career to making Lucas County a safer, better place to live.

​​