ELEVENTH CIRCUIT JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION

COUNTY COURT JUDGE VACANCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2021

CONTACT: Miranda L. Soto, Chair

Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission

Miranda.Soto@bipc.com

TELEPHONE: (305) 347-4086

MIAMI – The Judicial Nominating Commission for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit has nominated

the following individuals for appointment to the Miami-Dade County Court for the vacancy

resulting from the elevation of County Court Judge Diana Vizcaino to the Circuit Court in Miami-

Dade County:

Karl Brown Christopher Green

Heloiza Correa Kevin Hellmann

Javier Enriquez Christopher Pracitto

The Commission thanks the members of the bench, bar, and public who took the time to provide

feedback and meaningful input about the applicants.

ELEVENTH CIRCUIT JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION MEMBERS

Miranda L. Soto (Chair)

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, PC

Two South Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1500

Miami, FL 33131

Tel.: 305-347-4086

Miranda.Soto@bipc.com

Pedro Allende (Vice Chair)

Tel: 305-482-3529

jnc@pedroallende.com

Walter James Harvey

School Board Attorney’s Office

1450 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 400

Miami, FL 33132

Tel.: 305-995-1304/Fax: 305-995-1412

walter.harvey@dadeschools.net

Scott M. Dimond

Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.

Offices at Grand Bay Plaza

2665 South Bayshore Dr., PH 2B

Miami, FL 33133

305-374-1920

sdimond@dkrpa.com

Hayden P. O’Byrne

United States Attorney’s Office, SDFL

99 N.E. 4th Street

Miami, FL 33132

Tel: 305-961-9447/Fax: 305-530-7679

haydenjnc@gmail.com

Robert R. Pardo

Robert R. Pardo, P.A.

7700 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 512

Miami, FL 33156

Tel.: 305-596-7794/Fax: 305-596-5854

rpardo@pardolaw.com

Jesus M. Suarez

Genovese, Joblove & Battista, P.A.

100 S.E. Second Street, Suite 4400

Miami, Florida 33131

Tel: 305-349-2300

jsuarez@gjb-law.com

Jorge A. Mestre

Rivero Mestre, LLP

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 1000

Miami, FL 33134

Tel: 305-445-2500

jmestre@riveromestre.com

Robert H. Fernandez

RHF Law Firm, LLC

2600 South Douglas Road, Suite 305

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Tel.: 786-315-4479

rfernandez@rhflawfirm.com

The Middle District of Florida will appoint a full-time magistrate judge for the Fort Myers Division. A detailed public notice, application, and article describing the duties and qualifications of the position can be found on the Court's website here. The Clerk must receive each application by 5:00 p.m. on November 19, 2021.

ELEVENTH CIRCUIT JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION 

COUNTY COURT JUDGE VACANCY 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 4, 2021 

CONTACT: Miranda L. Soto, Chair 

Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission 

Miranda.Soto@bipc.com 

TELEPHONE: (305) 347-4086 

MIAMI – The Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Governor Ron DeSantis with nominees for the vacancy in the Miami-Dade County Court created by the elevation of County Court Judge Diana Vizcaino. 

The Commission requests that interested candidates submit an application for consideration. Applicants must meet the qualifications for a county court judge as described in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution. 

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on October 15, 2021, as follows: 

The “Judicial Appointment Application 2021” may be downloaded in pdf and word format at: https://www.flgov.com/judicial-and-judicial-nominating-commission-information/. 

(1) : The original unredacted application shall be emailed in .pdf format to: Miranda.Soto@bipc.com and jnc@pedroallende.com. 

(2) : A redacted .pdf of the application shall be emailed to the following emails listed below: 

• Miranda.Soto@bipc.com 

• jnc@pedroallende.com 

• walter.harvey@dadeschools.net 

• sdimond@dkrpa.com 

• haydenjnc@gmail.com 

• rpardo@pardolaw.com 

• jsuarez@gjb-law.com 

• jmestre@riveromestre.com 

• rfernandez@rhflawfirm.com 

Personal information not subject to public disclosure—such as a social security number—shall be redacted as permitted by Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. 

Untimely applications will not be considered. The filename for .pdf applications should be as follows: “FIRST NAME LAST NAME County Application (redacted/unredacted).” 

Applicants are asked to strictly follow all requests and instructions in this notice. Failure to do so could result in an application not being considered. 

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: To assist the Judicial Nominating Commission in its review of applications, all questions must be fully and completely answered. Applications must include current contact information, including e-mail addresses, for judges, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and references to facilitate the background investigation that will be conducted by the members of the Commission. Please print to .pdf in lieu of scanning where possible. 

Include all letters of recommendation that the applicant wishes the Commission to consider. The letters shall be attachments to the original application and the redacted copy and shall be included with the application saved in the .pdf file. Any additional information that the applicant feels may be helpful to the Commission in assessing the applicant’s qualifications shall be included as attachments to the original application and redacted copy saved in the .pdf file. 

The Commission strongly suggests that applications be submitted as soon as they are prepared and well before the deadline. Applicants granted an interview will be scheduled in the order in which applications are received. 

After the deadline for submitting applications, the Commission will determine which applicants will be interviewed. At this time, it is anticipated that interviews will be conducted in person on October 26, 2021, although this date is subject to change. The Commission will consider accommodating applicants who request to be interviewed remotely upon request. 

Click Here for a pdf version of this announcement.

2022 JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION NOMINATIONS TO BE MADE

The Florida Bar has the opportunity to nominate six lawyers for each Judicial Nominating Commission to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his appointment. Each appointee will serve a four-year term, commencing July 1, 2022. Applicants must be members of The Florida Bar engaged in the practice of law and a resident of the territorial jurisdiction served by the commission to which the member is applying. Commissioners are not eligible for state judicial office for vacancies filled by the JNC on which they sit for two years following completion of their term.

Applications must be submitted no later than 5:30 p.m., Monday, January 3, 2022. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Screening committees of the Board of Governors will review all JNC applications. The Executive Committee will then make recommendations to the Board of Governors.

Click the link below for a copy of the application.

Judicial-Nominating-Commission-Application-for-Appointment-Form-R-ADA-08242021.pdf

If you require assistance, please call Bar headquarters at (850) 561-5757 or email Kristen Wilson at mailto:kwilson@floridabar.org.

Applications Being Accepted for Full-Time U.S. Magistrate Judge Position-Pensacola

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida is currently accepting applications for a full-time United States magistrate judge position to be resident in the Pensacola division of the court.  Additional details regarding the position and the application process are available on the court's website at www.flnd.uscourts.gov or by using the link below.  Applications must be received no later than December 15, 2021. 

A copy of the full public notice can be found here.

Click here to download a copy of the application in word.

THE FLORIDA BAR BOARD OF GOVERNORS TO MAKE DECEMBER APPOINTMENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2021
CONTACT: Kristen Wilson, kwilson@floridabar.org
The Florida Bar
TELEPHONE: 850-561-5757

Florida Realtor-Attorney Joint Committee: Six lawyers, one from each state appellate district, and one at-large member to serve two-year terms commencing January 1, 2022. The Florida Bar president receives the recommendations of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section for consideration. The committee is composed of 11 lawyers appointed by The Florida Bar and 11 realtors appointed by the Florida Association of Realtors. The committee promotes cordial relations between realtors and attorneys and presents educational seminars.

Florida Rural Legal Services: One attorney to serve a three-year term commencing January 1, 2022 on its 20-member Board of Directors. Other appointing organizations are the NBA, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter, ACLU, voluntary bar associations and various other eligible client and community organizations. The mission of Florida Rural Legal Services is to empower low-income individuals, groups, and communities by providing them with access to justice through legal advice, representation, and advocacy.

Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference:  One delegate to represent the Northern District of Florida to serve a four-year term commencing January 1, 2022.  The biennial conference consists of educational opportunities and meetings (by state) on matters of mutual concern. The Bar’s three delegates contribute to planning and organizing an event during the conference in every odd numbered year.

Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may download the Application for Special Appointment or should call Bar headquarters at (850) 561-5757, to obtain the application form.  Completed applications must be received by the Executive Director, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-2300 or submitted via email  no later than the close of business on Friday, October 22, 2021.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application.  The Board of Governors will review all applications and may request telephone or personal interviews.

About The Florida Bar

Founded in 1949, The Florida Bar serves the legal profession for the protection and benefit of both the public and all Florida lawyers. As one of the nation’s largest mandatory bars, The Florida Bar fosters and upholds a high standard of integrity and competence within Florida’s legal profession as an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court. To learn more, visit FloridaBar.org.

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Fall 2021 Fellowship Announcement

Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association

and Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc.

MISSION

Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry was a pioneer attorney at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. (“LSGMI”), where she promoted equal justice and advocated on behalf of low-income communities in Miami-Dade County, among her many other accomplishments. The Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association Fellowship at LSGMI was established to honor Mrs. Cherry and to continue her legacy and humanitarian efforts.

FELLOW RESPONSIBILITIES

The GSCBWLA Fellow’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: interviewing clients in person and by telephone; conducting factual investigations, including visiting a client’s home; performing legal research and writing; drafting pleadings, motions and discovery requests; reviewing documents; preparing for and observing administrative and court hearings; participating in after-hours legal clinics; and participating in after-hours community education events.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We are seeking an extraordinary Fellow with a strong commitment to public service. To be eligible for the GSCBWLA Fellowship, prospective applicants must be enrolled in law school, be a 2L, 3L, 4L, or LLM, and demonstrate a commitment to equal justice and advocating for low-income clients in Miami-Dade County.

STIPEND

The stipend will be paid bi-weekly. If the GSCBWLA Fellow is a 2L, s/he will receive $13 per hour. If the GSCBWLA Fellow is a 3L, 4L, or LLM, s/he will receive $14 per hour.  This is a Fall 2021 placement and will require the Fellow to work 10-12 weeks. The hours will be flexible but it is recommended that the Fellow work a minimum of five hours per week and a maximum of 30 hours per week.

APPLICATION, DEADLINE, AND SELECTION PROCESS

To apply, please submit a one (1) page cover letter indicating how you will continue Gwen S. Cherry’s legacy and serve as an asset to LSGMI, your resume, law school transcript (PDF scans of official transcript are required), and application form.  Applications MUST be submitted via email by 12:00 midnight on Monday, August 23, 2021 to Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, c/o Nakia Ruffin at info@gscbwla.org. The recipient of the Fellowship award will be notified in writing on or before Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

The Application form can be found on the following link. Fall 2021 GSCBWLA-LSGMI Fellowship Appln.docx.pdf

Availability of a Bankruptcy Judgeship Position in the Middle District of Florida at Jacksonville

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Florida at Jacksonville. The basic jurisdiction of a bankruptcy judge is specified in Title 28, United States Code(link is external) and explained in Title 11, United States Code(link is external), as well as in 98 Stat. 344, Pub. L. 98 353, Title I, § 120.

To be qualified for appointment an applicant must -

1. Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of at least one state, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and a member in good standing of every other bar of which the applicant is a member.
2. (1) Possess, and have a reputation for, integrity and good character; (2) possess, and have demonstrated, a commitment to equal justice under the law; (3) possess, and have demonstrated, outstanding legal ability and competence; (4) indicate by demeanor, character, and personality that the applicant would exhibit judicial temperament if appointed; and (5) be of sound physical and mental health sufficient to perform the essential duties of the office.
3. Not be related by blood or marriage to (1) a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit; (2) a member of the Judicial Council of the Eleventh Circuit; or (3) a judge of the district court to be served, within the degrees specified in section 458 of Title 28, United States Code(link is external), at the time of the initial appointment.
4. Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a period of at least five years. The Judicial Council may consider other suitable legal experience as a substitute for the active practice of law.

The selection process will be confidential and competitive. The current annual salary is $201,112. Persons shall be considered without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. The individual selected must comply with the financial disclosure requirements pursuant to the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95-521, 92 Stat. 1824 (1978)(link is external) (codified as amended at 5 U.S.C. app. §§ 101-111)(link is external)). If you are interested in applying, please submit an original unbound completed application to James P. Gerstenlauer, Circuit Executive, 56 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Application forms are available on the Court's Website at www.ca11.uscourts.gov. Applications must be submitted only by potential nominees to the Circuit Executive's Office and must be received by 30 July 2021. Submission of a completed application will be considered verification of willingness to serve if selected. Emailed and faxed copies of applications will not be accepted.

Resources

Availability of a Bankruptcy Judgeship Position in the Middle District of Florida at Jacksonville (PDF)(link is external)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2021
CONTACT: Robert H. Fernandez, Chair; rfernandez@rhflawfirm.com
Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
TELEPHONE: (786) 315-4479

The Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Gov. Ron DeSantis with nominees for the vacancies in the Miami-Dade Circuit & County Court created by the resignations of Circuit Court Judges Rosa Figarola & Martin Zilber and County Court Judge Miguel Mirabal.

The Commission requests that interested candidates submit an application for consideration. Applicants must meet the qualifications for circuit court and county judges described in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.

Applicants must submit three copies (3) of their application by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, as follows:

(1): The original unredacted paper application shall be mailed or delivered to:

Robert H. Fernandez
RHF Law Firm, LLC
2600 South Douglas Road, Suite 305
Coral Gables, FL 33134

(2): The original unredacted application shall be emailed in .pdf format to: rfernandez@rhflawfirm.com.

(3): A redacted .pdf of the application shall be emailed to eleventhjnc@rhflawfirm.com. Personal information not subject to public disclosure—such as the social security number—shall be redacted as permitted by Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes.

Untimely applications will not be considered. The filename for .pdf applications should be as follows “21.06.25 FIRSTNAME LASTNAME Circuit and/or County Application (redacted/unredacted).”

Applicants are invited to provide the Chair with a one-page sheet listing the date, location and time of hearings or trials that they would want the Commissioners to observe. The one-page disclosure sheet is not mandatory and can be provided to the Chair at any time before the interview day. No information other than the date, location and time should be provided on the one-page sheet.

Applications may be downloaded from the Office of the Governor at www.flgov.com. Applicants should include a recent photograph.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: To assist the Judicial Nominating Commission in its review of applications, all questions must be fully and completely answered. Applications must include current contact information, including e-mail addresses, for judges, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and references to facilitate the background investigation that will be conducted by the members of the Commission. Please print to .pdf in lieu of scanning where possible.

The Commission will convene telephonically on Mon., June 28, 2021 to discuss scheduling interviews of the most qualified applicants. A conference room will be available at RHF Law Firm, LLC, 2600 South Douglas Road, Suite 305, Coral Gables, FL 33134 for those interested in attending.

ELEVENTH CIRCUIT JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION MEMBERS

About The Florida Bar

Founded in 1949, The Florida Bar serves the legal profession for the protection and benefit of both the public and all Florida lawyers. As one of the nation’s largest mandatory bars, The Florida Bar fosters and upholds a high standard of integrity and competence within Florida’s legal profession as an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court. To learn more, visit FloridaBar.org.

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The Real Property Probate & Trust Law (RPPTL) Section of the Florida Bar is now accepting applications for its 2-year Fellowship Program established to recruit and retain attorneys of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds into the RPPTL Section. Fellows are awarded a scholarship to support their travel and lodging fees to attend RPPTL meetings. 

Application: https://rpptl.org/Private/Content/Committees/2021%20Application%20-%20fillable.pdf

RPPTL Fellows Committee: https://rpptl.org/DrawCommittees.aspx?GroupCommitteeTypeID=3&GroupCommitteeID=10

The deadline to apply is May 7, 2021.