Mentor City Council has appointed Brandon Dynes as Law Director effective April 21, 2026.
“City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon Dynes as the new Law Director for the City of Mentor. He brings a strong record of legal expertise, public service, and leadership, positioning the City for continued success in addressing both current and future legal issues,” said Mentor City Council President Janet A. Dowling.
Mr. Dynes is a lifelong resident of Lake County and a partner/shareholder at Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan. He has extensive legal experience in public law and has served as law director for various municipal and public entities. He currently provides legal counsel and/or serves as law director for multiple public entities, including the City of Mentor, the Lake Development Authority, Laketran, Concord Township, Madison Fire District, and the Ashtabula County Commissioners.
Additionally, he serves as an acting judge for the Painesville Municipal Court and as general counsel for several privately held companies, advising on a wide range of business matters, including mergers and acquisitions and litigation.
Dynes is an appointed board member of the Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Commissioners on Character & Fitness (representing the 11th Appellate District), past president of the Lake County Bar Association, and a former member of the Concord Township Board of Zoning Appeals. He is AV Preeminent Peer Review and Judicial Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 and was recognized as a Super Lawyer.
“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected as the Law Director for the City of Mentor. Having been born and raised in the area, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me, both personally and professionally, and represents not only a professional milestone but a deep commitment to serve a community I greatly respect,” said Dynes. “I look forward to working collaboratively with City Council and the administration to uphold the law, support effective governance, and contribute to the continued strength and success of Mentor. I am excited for the work ahead and especially proud to serve in this role.”
In addition to Dynes, Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan will provide a robust support team of associate attorneys, law clerks, and paralegals to ensure the City of Mentor receives comprehensive representation while helping to minimize the need for outside counsel and control costs.
“We have every confidence in Mr. Dynes’ ability to guide the Law Department with integrity, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of municipal governance. His background in public-sector law and commitment to serving our community make him an exceptional fit for this important position. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Mr. Dynes and his associates,” said Dowling.
Mr. Dynes was sworn in prior to the regularly scheduled May 5, 2026, Mentor City Council Meeting by Judge Robert J. Patton of the Eleventh District Court of Appeals.