The SDFLA Blog is dedicated to providing news and notes regarding federal practice in the Southern District of Florida. The New Times calls the blog "the definitive source on South Florida's federal court system." All tips on court happenings are welcome and will remain anonymous. Please email David Markus at dmarkus@markuslaw.com
Monday, June 05, 2017
Breaking News -- Judge Lenard to take Senior Status
Breaking News -- District Judge Joan Lenard informed her colleagues today that she will be taking Senior Status on July 1, 2017. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1995 to fill Judge King's slot when he went senior. Before that, she was a state circuit and county judge, as well as a state prosecutor. This will create another open seat for President Trump to fill. Congrats to Judge Lenard, and thank you for your service to the bench.
Whenever these openings arise I always wonder if anyone in private practice who has not previously served on the bench will bother applying. I have conflicting feelings about these openings always going to state court judges--the state court system has become a de facto "feeder" system in this district. Some say that is a good thing, others think it's less than ideal. Thoughts anyone?
ReplyDeleteMost of the applicants for a federal judgeship are the top state judges we have. I am convinced that a successful attorney in private practice would want to fill out the form required. If you have ever seen one it is brutal and very detailed. I half hope Judge Hanzman applies. He is the best judge in our circuit, bar none. Although I hate to lose him to the feds but he would be similar to Judge Gleason formerly of the EDNY. I don't recall any private attorneys applying other than Bruce Greer and we know what happened to him and maybe Neil Taylor.
ReplyDeleteShe was so nice and sweet and kind and fair in state court and became a MAJOR grouch in Federal court and always seemed so unhappy with her job- snapping at lawyers and just giving off the impression she wasn't very happy. It was a startling transformation for the worse.
ReplyDeleteA true legend on the bench.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking it's time to make America and the SDFLA great again. And I cannot imagine a better person to become a federal judge and Make SDFLA great again then our own Federal Blogger Mr. Markus with a K.
ReplyDeleteMarkus? No way. Only state hacks will apply.
ReplyDeleteI'll always remember Doctor Jack's voice: "Lenard! For Three!"
ReplyDelete