Matthew Reger, JD

Position: Judge, Wood County Court of Common Pleas 
Email: regerm@bgsu.edu

Bio

Judge Matthew Reger has served on the Wood County Court of Common Pleas since 2017 after being elected in 2016 and reelected in 2022. He began his legal career in 1993 as a staff attorney for the Wood County Court of Common Pleas before joining the Bowling Green Municipal Prosecutor's Office in 1996. He served as Bowling Green City Prosecutor for 16 years, leading the office until his election to the bench.

Judge Reger has extensive international legal experience through the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative, where he trained judges, prosecutors, and attorneys in the Republic of Georgia on the American judicial system and assisted with criminal procedure reform. He has also served as an election observer with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, monitoring elections in several countries across Europe and Central Asia.

A dedicated educator, Judge Reger has taught at Bowling Green State University since 2008, instructing courses in business law, court systems, and forensic evidence. He also serves as faculty with the Ohio Judicial College, helping train newly elected judges throughout the state.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Reger founded the Community Christian Legal Service, a nonprofit legal clinic providing free legal assistance, and remains active in judicial leadership, legal education, and community service. His work has earned numerous awards recognizing his commitment to public service and the legal profession.

In addition to his professional work, Judge Reger is an adjunct professor at BGSU, where he teaches:

• CRJU 4200: The Criminal Courts
• CRJU 4400:Law, Evidence and Procedure in Forensic Science