Duval County Judge Meredith Charbula takes the oath of office from Chief Judge Mark Mahon while Sarah Hunter looks on at Charbula’s investiture Nov. 1.
Duval County Judge Meredith Charbula was helped into her robe by her sister, Kathleen Walbourn, left, her son, David Moosman, who is about to graduate from law school at New York University, and Sarah Hunter.
Duval County Judge Meredith Charbula said her outlook on service to the community hasn’t changed in the 12 months since she made the transition from the State Attorney’s Office to the Duval County Court.
D.W. Perkins Bar Association President Gregory Redmon presented to Charbula a plaque from the association recognizing her appointment as a judge.
Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association President Jamie Karpman presented to Charbula a clock for her office at the Duval County Courthouse.
Curry Pajcic, president of the American Board of Trial Advocates Jacksonville chapter, presented a desk plaque to Charbula inscribed, “Professionalism and Civility.”
Assistant State Attorney L.E. Hutton, Duval County Judge Meredith Charbula and State Attorney Melissa Nelson. Charbula was an assistant state attorney before she was appointed to the bench.
The ceremonial courtroom at the Duval County Courthouse was filled to capacity Nov. 1 for Duval County Judge Meredith Charbula’s investiture.
Her judicial colleagues on the county and 4th Judicial Circuit courts, as well as former colleagues from the State Attorney’s Office, private practice attorneys and friends, witnessed Charbula taking the oath of office and heard remarks about her career from leaders of the legal community.
Chief Judge Mark Mahon, before he administered the oath of office, said Charbula is an “incredible asset to the court.”
Charbula was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott last year to replace County Judge Eric Roberson, who was elevated to the circuit court. She is one of six new judges who will join the Duval County and circuit courts by January after Michael Bateh, Collins Cooper, Katie Dearing, Maureen Horkan and Kimberly Sadler were elected to the bench in the August primary election.
“This is one of the largest infusions of new blood we’ve had in a long time,” Mahon said.
After she was sworn in, Charbula said leaving the State Attorney’s Office to become a judge hasn’t changed her approach to her service to the community.
While an assistant state attorney, she was known for greeting people in the morning by saying, “It’s a great day to serve the people of Florida.”
After 12 months on the bench, Charbula said, “I love coming to work every day.”
