by Bailey White
Staff Writer
A local judge has made the short list of candidates to fill a vacancy on the Florida Supreme Court.
Circuit Court Judge Waddell Wallace was one of four candidates recommended to Gov. Jeb Bush to fill Justice Leander Shaw Jr.’s spot on the bench when he retires in January.
“I’m delighted and very excited about the opportunity,” said Wallace, who has been a judge in the 4h Judicial Circuit for three years and was an attorney with Smith, Hulsey & Busey for 20 years. “It’s a fascinating process to go through. I think anyone who’s practiced at a high level of law would feel the same.”
Wallace said the application process was extensive. He was chosen from 14 initial applicants who went through an interview process with the Judicial Nominating Commission in Tallahassee on Nov. 13 and 14.
“During the process you have to examine your career, reflect on your strengths and what you’ve done and what you would like to do,” said Wallace.
Commission members are usually lawyers. Four are appointed by The Florida Bar and five are placed on the commission by the governor. Two of its members — Mary Kleyla Phillips and Joseph Milton — are from Jacksonville and both served on the commission that nominated Wallace.
The next step in the process will be an interview with Gov. Bush, who has 60 days to appoint one of the nominees for the position. Other nominees are First Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kenneth B. Bell, Pensacola; First District Court of Appeal Judge Philip J. Padovano, Tallahassee; and First District Court of Appeal Judge Peter D. Webster, who is from Jacksonville but now lives in Tallahassee.
“I expect the governor will schedule the interview soon. I’ve been led to believe the whole process will be finished by December,” said Wallace.
If appointed, Wallace will find himself in Tallahassee, though it may be a while before he relocates permanently.
“I might commute for a short time while my kids finish school,” said Wallace, adding he is well aware of the responsibility the job carries.
“It is a great responsibility. It’s important in a lot of ways, not just to litigants, but to the state as well. There are some really important things about the future of the court to be decided.”