Mediator Jeffrey Hazlett Retires After 12 Years of Dedicated Service

August 20, 2026

After 12 years of dedicated service to the court’s Mediation Program, Jeff Hazlett is retiring. During his tenure, Jeff mediated 1,167 cases and brought decades of legal experience to every mediation.

Jeff brought a wealth of experience to his work as a mediator. He began his legal career in 1981 as a prosecuting attorney for the City of Dayton before spending nearly two decades in private practice litigation, concentrating on insurance defense litigation. He then joined the Cincinnati Insurance Company as in-house counsel, where he handled personal injury and professional liability litigation.

Jeff began mediating in 2007 and joined the court’s Mediation Program in 2014. His extensive litigation background gave him a valuable perspective in helping parties evaluate their cases, understand the negotiation process, and work toward resolution. Always a believer in the power of mediation to give parties a voice in the legal process, Jeff reflected that “Mediation brings closure in a way no trial can.”

To recognize his outstanding service, the judges of the General Division recently presented Jeff with a Mediation Excellence Award. Thank you for your service, Jeff, and best wishes on your retirement.