Gilbert Feltel Jr.
James Kallaher
Robin Lanigan
Rhonda Peoples-Waters
William Joel Powell
Julie Taylor
After reviewing applications and Florida Department of Law Enforcement background investigations, consulting references and conducting public interviews on Feb. 10, the 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission narrowed the field of 12 applicants to six nominees to succeed Circuit Judge Gregg McCaulie, who is retiring from the bench.
The nominees, in alphabetical order:
• Gilbert Feltel Jr., 50, is a city assistant general counsel and chief legal officer at the Jacksonville Port Authority.
He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1993 after graduating from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
• James Kallaher, 53, is managing partner at Kallaher, DeLuca & Naughton in Orange Park.
A graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, he was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2001.
• Robin Lanigan, 50, is a general magistrate and hearing officer in Jacksonville.
She graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2000.
• Rhonda Peoples-Waters, 46, is owner and president of Rhonda Peoples-Waters P.A.
She was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1999 after graduating from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
• William Joel Powell, 39, is an associate attorney at Edwards & Ragatz and a member of the Jacksonville Civil Service Board.
He graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2005.
• Julie Taylor, 48, is court counsel for the 4th Judicial Circuit.
She was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1996 after graduating from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
The nominees will be interviewed in Tallahassee. Gov. Ron DeSantis has 60 days to appoint one of the nominees to the seat.
The nominating commission will convene March 9 to interview applicants for the vacancy created by the resignation of Duval County Judge Pauline Drake.
Visit https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/judicial/Announcement-%20Now%20Accepting%20Applications-%20Drake%20ADA.pdf for more information.
