Denny Kirk announces candidacy for Highland County Juvenile and Probate Judge

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Highland County Juvenile and Probate Judge.

Raised in Highland County and a graduate of Hillsboro High School, I earned a bachelor of arts
degree in social work and a master of arts degree in political science, with concentrations in
public policy and public administration. 

I also completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy through Southern State Community College, and later earned my law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law.

My professional career began over 30 years ago as an investigative caseworker with Highland
County Children Services, working as a licensed social worker with children and families. I
then went on to serve in law enforcement, and now over a decade as an attorney in private
practice. I have also served for 24 years as a guardian ad litem advocating for the best interests
of children – throughout this time, appearing in Juvenile Court as a witness and later as an
attorney and guardian ad litem.

My tenure with the Highland County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Ron Ward included being
assigned as a detective and achieving the rank of sergeant. During that time, I investigated a
wide range of criminal cases, focusing on crimes against children, and handled hundreds of child
abuse investigations. I was designated a master criminal investigator by the Ohio Peace Officer
Training Commission, served on the Special Response Team, and was certified to investigate
clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.

After graduating from law school and passing the Ohio Bar Examination, I opened Kirk Law
Office, LLC, where I have practiced law for more than a decade. My legal practice includes child
abuse, neglect and dependency cases in Highland County Juvenile Court; child custody and
domestic relations matters; misdemeanor and felony criminal cases involving both juveniles and
adults; estate planning, guardianships and estate administration matters in Highland County
Probate Court.

Community service is an important part of my life. I currently serve on the Board of Trustees for
Southern State Community College, the Highland County Law Library Resource Board, the City
of Hillsboro Community Improvement Corporation, the City of Hillsboro Civil Service
Commission, and as a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Highland County. I serve as
president of the Highland County Bar Association and am a member of the Ohio State Bar
Association. I also serve on the Highland County Corrections Planning Board, and am a member
of the Highland County Historical Society, where I previously served as chair of the Board of
Trustees.

I attend Good News Gathering and serve on their Photography Team and Special Events Service
Team. I have also served on additional local volunteer boards and supported Hillsboro City
Schools through supporting activities such as DECA, band, and drama programs.

I reside in Highland County with my wife, Alexis Kirk, a teaching and learning specialist with
the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center. We have three children, Ally and twins Aidan and
Ethan.

Having worked within the justice system from multiple perspectives, including social work, law
enforcement and legal practice, and with many years of courtroom experience in both Juvenile
and Probate matters, I seek to apply this background to the responsibilities of the Highland
County Common Pleas Juvenile and Probate Courts as the Honorable Judge Kevin Greer prepares to
retire. 

I respectfully ask for consideration and support in the May 5, 2026, primary election.