Name: William Ray Holley
Education: Juris Doctor cum laude, Stetson College of Law; master's in public administration, University of North Florida; Bachelor of Arts, Stetson University; Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville.
Admitted to the Bar: Florida Bar 1997; Georgia Bar 2006 (now inactive).
Date sworn in to the bench: Appointed by the governor Dec. 27, 2010, as a judge of compensation claims.
Court: Office of Judges of Compensation Claims, State of Florida.
Division: The Jacksonville District includes Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union counties. Additionally, I have jurisdiction to adjudicate workers' compensation cases statewide, which is done by video teleconference.
Why did you become a judge?
It has allowed me to provide public service in its highest form.
What should every lawyer know about appearing in your court?
Attorneys should be prepared to answer questions during closing arguments regarding the applicable law and or facts of your case. All evidentiary and or demonstrative exhibits are required to be e-filed before the trial absent stipulation by the attorneys or permission by the court. Civility, professionalism and candor is valued and expected.
What do you know now that you didn't when you were practicing before the bench?
Judges are human beings who, on occasion, make mistakes. Attorneys should take the time necessary to educate the judge on the significant facts and the law pertinent to their case.
Community involvement?
E. Robert Williams Inn of Court, president-elect; American Inn of Court Program Awards Committee, voting member; Stetson University Alumni Association, district co-chair; Conference of Judges of Compensation Claims, executive committee member; National Association of Workers Compensation Judiciary, member; Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Rules Advisory Committee, member; Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, board member; Northeast Florida Chapter of the Friends of 440, past president and member; and Rotary Club of Southpoint, past president and member.
What are your interests outside the courtroom?
Faith, family, service to the legal profession and community. In addition, I am actively involved in the Christ Renews His Parish Ministry at Assumption Catholic Church.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
My wife, kids and I for family fun are reading aloud together "The Magician's Nephew" from "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. For Lent, I am reading "The Resolution for Men" based on the movie "Courageous", which is a call to men to take full physical, social and spiritual responsibility as fathers and husbands.