Governor Ron DeSantis announces a total of twenty-one appointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions across multiple districts
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has made a series of significant judicial appointments, naming twenty-one individuals to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions (JNCs). These commissions play a crucial role in the state’s legal system by identifying and recommending candidates for judicial vacancies. The latest round of appointments spans various courts across Florida, further shaping the state’s judiciary with experienced legal professionals.
Strengthening the Judicial System with Experienced Appointees
Governor DeSantis’ selections include a mix of new appointments and reappointments, ensuring continuity while bringing in fresh perspectives. The appointees have backgrounds ranging from private law firms to government agencies, each bringing a wealth of experience to the commissions they will serve. Their responsibilities will include vetting candidates and recommending judicial appointments that align with Florida’s legal and constitutional principles.
Joseph Hart, General Counsel for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, has been appointed to the First District Court of Appeal JNC. Hart, who holds degrees from the University of Alabama and Florida State University, will serve a term ending in July 2028.
Similarly, Joshua Webb, a Shareholder at Hill, Ward & Henderson, P.A., will serve on the Second District Court of Appeal JNC. Webb, a University of Florida alumnus, was selected from a list of nominees recommended by the Florida Bar and will also serve until July 2028.
Expanding Representation Across Multiple Districts
The Third District Court of Appeal JNC will welcome John Byrne, a partner at Maderal Byrne & Furst. Byrne, who earned his law degree from Cornell University, was also chosen from a list provided by the Florida Bar. His term will last until July 2028.
Several new members have been appointed to various Judicial Circuit Commissions as well. In the First Judicial Circuit, Larry Keefe, the Executive Director for the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, will serve a term until July 2028. Keefe has a long-standing legal career, holding degrees from the University of Florida.
David Arthmann has been appointed to the Second Judicial Circuit JNC, bringing his experience as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. His term will end in 2026. Meanwhile, Dana Taylor and George Reeves will serve on the Third Judicial Circuit JNC, with Reeves being reappointed for another term lasting until July 2028.
Ensuring Legal Expertise and Continuity
Among the Fourth Judicial Circuit appointments, Robert Harris, Managing Partner at Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A., has been reappointed. His extensive experience in legal practice will help guide judicial selections through 2027.
In the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Matthew Foreman, a partner at Carter Foreman, PLLC, has been reappointed for a term extending to 2027. His experience in civil litigation and local governance makes him a valuable member of the commission.
The Seventh Judicial Circuit JNC will see Terrence White, a seasoned mediator at Upchurch Watson White & Max, continue his role. His expertise in dispute resolution will be critical in evaluating judicial candidates until 2028.
A Focus on Judicial Integrity and Community Representation
The Eighth Judicial Circuit received multiple appointments, including Stephanie Emrick, an attorney at Scruggs, Carmichael, & Wershow, P.A. Emrick will serve until 2026. Joining her is Rebecca Shinholser, an assistant state attorney who has been reappointed for a term ending in 2027. Additionally, Brian Kramer, the State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida, will continue his tenure until 2028, reinforcing prosecutorial and judicial expertise within the commission.
In Tampa’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Samuel Salario of Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC, has been appointed for a term lasting until 2028. His extensive experience in appellate law will be valuable for selecting future judicial candidates.
Supporting Judicial Selection in the Panhandle and Beyond
In the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Brandon Burg, founder of Burg Law, has been reappointed for another term through 2028. Alongside him, Mark Graham, Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, will also continue serving.
Meanwhile, in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Katie Jay of Jay & Campbell, PLLC, will serve a term through 2027, and Adam Schwartz of Atlas Solomon LLP has been reappointed until 2028.
Finally, in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, Steven E. Martin, Managing Member of the Martin Law Firm, P.L., will serve through 2027, ensuring that Southwest Florida’s judicial nominating process benefits from his expertise.
Looking Ahead: A Judicial Landscape Shaped by DeSantis’ Appointments
Governor DeSantis’ judicial appointments reflect his ongoing commitment to shaping Florida’s judiciary with experienced legal professionals. These selections ensure that each Judicial Nominating Commission is staffed with individuals who possess the knowledge and dedication needed to evaluate and recommend judicial candidates effectively.
“As governor, I am committed to ensuring that our judicial system upholds the values and integrity that Floridians expect. The individuals appointed today bring expertise, dedication, and a commitment to justice,” said DeSantis.
As these appointees take on their roles, their decisions will have lasting impacts on Florida’s legal landscape. Their work will influence the appointment of judges across various courts, helping to maintain the efficiency, fairness, and integrity of the state’s judiciary.
