by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Not one to bring attention to himself, a U.S. Courtroom Deputy will quietly step down from service after nearly 30 years of keeping citizens, attorneys and judges at ease in federal court.
“It can be a bit intimidating in federal court at times,” said attorney John Duvall, who started practicing in federal court in 1985. “He does a good job of eliminating that feeling. He’s the go-to guy to eliminate the mystery of federal court practice.”
“He” is Garry Randolph and he has been working in the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida United States Court since Jan. 3, 1982. A year later he was selected by U.S. District Judge Susan Black, now with the U.S. District Court of Appeals, as her courtroom deputy. Randolph was Black’s courtroom manager until she was elevated to the 11th Circuit. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Schlesinger transferred back to Jacksonville that year and Randolph continued his work for the court under Schlesinger.
Randolph’s last day will be tomorrow after 17 years managing Schlesinger’s courtroom.
“In addition to taking care of all the clerical functions in the courtroom, he handled all of the calendaring, docket control, case management and humor in the courtroom,” said Schlesinger. “Once we automated and acquired electronic courtroom equipment, he learned how to use them and would ensure that lawyers desiring to learn received proper instruction.”
Randolph’s proficiency and work ethic impressed Schlesinger.
“Garry is a take charge person,” he said. “He utilized his vast knowledge learned in both civilian and military courts (Randolph is retired from the Naval Reserve) to perform his assigned duties above and beyond what is expected.”
The U.S. District Court would like to have him around longer, but wishes him well in his future endeavors.
“If one can sum up his performance, he was my right hand. He will be missed,” said Schlesinger. “We wish him good health and happiness in retirement. May his age increase gracefully and his golf game continually improve.”
Former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Paul Perez confirmed Randolph’s talent on the links.
“He is one heck of a golfer,” said Perez, who worked with Randolph. “The courtroom deputy is like the gatekeeper to the judge, so they play a very crucial role in trying to get hearings and management of the courtroom when you are at a hearing. He is very professional but always has a smile and cares enough to ask how you and your family are doing.”
Randolph served 10 years active duty in the U.S. Navy as well as 18 years in the Naval Reserves. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4).
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