Judge Nicole Khoury’s Biography

Judge Nicole Khoury’s legal career began before she ever entered law school, working in the Maumee Municipal Court Prosecutor’s Office. While attending law school, she worked part-time for renowned criminal defense attorney Alan Konop, conducting legal research and eventually serving as co-counsel on several high-profile criminal cases, including State of Ohio v. Fr. Gerald Robinson.

During her final semester at the University of Toledo College of Law, Judge Khoury returned to the Maumee Municipal Court as a prosecutor intern before joining the Lucas County Public Defender’s Office, representing clients in the Maumee, Sylvania, and Oregon Municipal Courts. After passing the Ohio Bar Examination, she became a contracted public defender while launching a private practice in both Ohio and Michigan. Her practice focused primarily on criminal defense, where she handled numerous felony and misdemeanor cases, as well as entertainment law, representing both local and nationally recognized recording artists.

Through her years of service with the Lucas County Public Defender’s Office, Judge Khoury represented thousands of indigent clients, developing extensive courtroom and trial experience while earning a reputation as a dedicated advocate. In 2017, she was elected Judge of the Toledo Municipal Court, where she continues to emphasize accountability, fairness, and opportunities for individuals to improve their lives while strengthening the community.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Khoury is widely recognized for her commitment to public service. She is the founder of Project iAm and its signature annual fundraiser, Acoustics for Autism. Established to assist families throughout Northwest Ohio with the costs of autism treatment and therapy, the nonprofit organization has remained entirely volunteer-driven. Nearly two decades after its founding, Project iAm has provided more than $1.3 million in direct assistance to local families and has become one of the region’s most respected charitable organizations.

Judge Khoury’s dedication to community service has earned statewide and local recognition. She received the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s District and Statewide Community Service Awards for attorneys under the age of 40 in 2012 and 2013. She was nominated for the Jefferson Award in 2015 and 2016 and was honored as a recipient in 2020. Additional honors include Top 20 Under 40 and Best Female Attorney (2016), the Maumee Chamber of Commerce Hometown Hero Award and Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Philanthropist of the Year Award (2017), the YWCA Milestone Award (2021), the Bethesda Community Award and Maumee Elks Distinguished Citizen Award (2022), the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Toledo Community Recognition Award and the “Champions for Change Award (2026).

Her community involvement extends well beyond her own nonprofit. Judge Khoury has served as a mentor with Mom’s House through the Sisters-in-Law Program and serves on the boards of the Pride of Toledo Foundation, the Toledo Bar Association Foundation, and the Valentine Theatre. She also actively supports numerous charitable organizations throughout the region, including Lucas County D.A.R.T., Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, Veterans Matter, Little Eric’s Foundation, and the Caly Cares Foundation. In addition to her legal and civic work, she has shared her passion for music by performing publicly throughout Northwest Ohio for more than 25 years.

Judge Khoury is a strong advocate for expanding access to mental health and addiction treatment, believing that helping individuals overcome personal challenges ultimately creates stronger, safer communities. She has also developed innovative driver’s license reinstatement initiatives that have helped thousands of constituents regain driving privileges and improve their opportunities for employment and independence. Known for her hands-on judicial approach, she personally monitors participants in specialized programs and works closely with individuals facing complex challenges.

Judge Khoury earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2001 and her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Hillsdale College in 1998.

She resides in Toledo with her husband, Scott Hayes, and remains deeply committed to serving the City of Toledo and its residents.