If you have ever considered serving as a judge in the 4th Judicial Circuit, the time to apply is now.
A vacancy was created by the ascension of County Judge Angela Cox to the circuit court after the retirement of Chief Judge Donald Moran. We are now accepting applications.
The 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission consists of nine members representing Duval, Clay and Nassau counties. All nine members of the JNC are practicing attorneys, but a law degree is not required.
The committee includes a cross section of lawyers with different backgrounds, ages and law firm sizes. I am continuously impressed by the high level of professionalism and collegiality within this committee.
It is a privilege to serve with Mike Abel, Chip Bachara, Dexter Davis, Gil Feltel, Courtney Grimm, Melissa Nelson, Robert “Bubba” O’Quinn and Paul Renner.
Even after a long day of interviews, the committee members are always ready to devote the necessary time and attention to discuss all applicants.
After serving two years on the JNC, I have a thorough understanding of the selection process and strongly believe it works well.
While some judges are elected, most judges in our circuit are appointed through the judicial nominating process. The selection process is really quite simple. It starts when a vacancy is created through the off-term retirement or resignation of a sitting judge.
The JNC receives a notice from the Office of the Governor directing the committee to convene. The committee then issues a news release advising interested people to apply for the position by a deadline. The JNC reviews the applications and conducts interviews, which are open to the public.
Following the interviews, the JNC submits up to six names to the governor’s office for consideration and the ultimate appointment is made by the governor.
To give you a little background about previous applicants for the open circuit court position created by the retirement of Judge E. McRae Mathis, there were 16 applicants ranging in experience from seven to 34 years and ages 35 to 60.
Of the 16 applicants, only two had not previously applied and the six applicants selected had experience ranging from 13 to 29 years.
As for the ages of the nominees, the youngest was 39 and the oldest was 60. All six of the nominees sent to the governor had previously submitted their names for consideration by the JNC.
Applicants are required to complete a compre-hensive application, which becomes public record, and submit to a criminal and financial background check.
While all committee members have the opportunity to review and vet all applicants, each applicant is assigned to a specific committee member for a more thorough review and investigation.
It has been truly eye opening to learn about my colleagues making significant impacts in their churches, community organizations, and public interest groups.
Personally, I am always impressed by the challenges so many lawyers have overcome and the deep-rooted history and traditions that make each applicant unique.
It is also important to have judges that have varied experiences and backgrounds. While things such as academic background and trial experience are important to the committee, life experience also assists the committee in making its selection.
From track coaches, foster parents and teachers to animal advocates, book authors and business owners, the backgrounds of the applicants are incredibly diverse.
Participating in this process has given me a renewed sense of pride in our profession and in our colleagues.
Just last week, the JNC received a letter from the governor’s office directing the committee to convene and submit the names of six individuals.
My fellow committee members and I are ready to help fill that vacancy. If you have ever considered submitting your name, I strongly encourage you to do so now.