Education: University of Florida, B.A. and J.D.
Admitted to the Bar: 1992
Date sworn in to the bench: Jan. 6, 2009
Court: Circuit Court, Fourth Judicial Circuit
Division: CV-A (civil)
Why did you become a judge?
From the time I was in law school, I have always wanted to be a judge and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve in this capacity.
What should every lawyer know about appearing in your court?
I greatly appreciate attorneys who anticipate difficult legal or evidentiary issues and bring those to my attention for resolution before a jury trial. Jennie (my assistant) and I will make the time to hear those issues before the trial commences.
What do you know now that you didn’t when you were practicing before the bench?
A judge most likely won’t have time to read your brief or memorandum before a hearing if you provide it to the judge the morning of, or the evening before, the hearing. At least 24 hours before the hearing is a good rule of thumb. (I violated that rule many times in practice.)
Community involvement?
My family has been involved in Mayor John Peyton’s “Rally Jacksonville” reading program. My wife’s mother, Fran Peacock-Coker, authored the first set of books and the whole family has participated over the years. Most recently, my family had the privilege to assist in the “Humble Harvest” community project started by Lori and B.J. Ibach (Rogers Towers) which provided toys, food, Bibles and other necessities to needy families before Christmas.
What are your interests outside the courtroom?
Running (OK, jogging); golfing (hacking).
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand; “Scorecasting” by Tobias Moskovitz (“Freakonomics” for sports geeks).