Sarah comes from a family rooted in Cincinnati. Her Dad grew up in Fairfax and her Mom grew up in Mt. Lookout. Sarah was born on a Naval base in Newport, Rhode Island and spent the first ten years of her life moving around the East Coast, while her father served in the Navy. Sarah’s parents instilled in her an early sense of public service through their roles in the military and as educators at various schools.

About Sarah Henry

Sarah’s sense of public service traces back, not only to her parents, but to the education she received in Cincinnati at Cardinal Pacelli School ('96) and  Ursuline Academy ('00). After high school Sarah went to Loyola University of Chicago ('04) and then served a year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Anchorage, Alaska. She then returned to Cincinnati and graduated from Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law ('08). Her commitment to our community is evidenced by her distinguished record of public service. She has served as a Board Member of the Mount Washington Community Council; a Precinct Executive for the Democratic Party; a parent volunteer at both Sands Montessori and The Seven Hills School; a Girl Scout Troop leader; a soccer coach; and a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association's Grievance Committee. Sarah's husband, Michael Whiteman, has taught many of our local attorneys.  He is currently an Associate Dean at the University of Cincinnati's College of Law and is the only person to have served as [interim] Dean at both NKU Chase College of Law and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.  Sarah and Mike are the proud parents of Louise.  When she isn't keeping her parents on their toes, Louise is on the stage for theatre practice or on the ice rink for hockey.   

Sarah with her younger siblings and mom welcoming her father, Lieutenant Henry, and his ship home from deployment

Sarah, Mike, and Louise in Halibut Cove, Alaska

Sarah has multi-jurisdictional experience in Alaska, Kentucky, and Ohio.  She has represented clients in jury trials, bench trials, capital matters, and civil issues.  This depth of perspective will be an asset to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.  In addition to an extensive litigation background, Sarah has worked on policy initiatives directly impacting the community through the KEYS to a Future Without Youth Homelessness partnership between the Children's Law Center, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, and Strategies to End Homelessness.

Sarah leading a session of Juvenile Justice Jeopardy at Hughes High School

In Sarah's current role, Administrative Magistrate at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, she presides over two dockets; oversees the Court's mediation program; and has played a vital role in several initiatives to expand the Court's positive presence in the community.  This unique vantage point positions her to truly understand how to effectuate change from within the Court system.  

Magistrate Henry on the bench in Juvenile Court