Governor announces judicial appointments to the Circuit and County Courts
On April 14, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis announced judicial appointments to the Circuit Court for Judge Amy Brodersen of Escambia County and Judge James Moody III of Hillsborough County. He also announced the appointments of Catalina Avalos, Lauren Burke, and James Sherman to the Palm Beach County Court.
Judge Amy Brodersen, of Pensacola, to serve as Judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court
Brodersen has served as a Judge on the Escambia County Court since her appointment by Governor Scott in 2016. Previously, she served as an Assistant City Attorney for the Pensacola Police Department and an Assistant State Attorney for seven years in the First Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama and her law degree from Florida Coastal. Brodersen fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Thomas V. Dannheisser.
Judge James Moody, III, of Plant City, to serve as Judge on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Moody has served as a Judge on the Hillsborough County Court since his appointment by Governor DeSantis in 2020. Previously, he served as an Attorney at Jayson Farthing Skafidas & Wright, P.A. for ten years. He received both his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Moody fills the judicial vacancy created by the passing of Judge Carl C. Hinson.
Catalina Avalos, of Pembroke Pines, to serve as Judge on the Broward County Court
Avalos has served as a Director at Tripp Scott, P.A. since 2009. Previously, she served as Judge on the Broward County Court for four years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Avalos fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Natasha DePrimo.
Lauren Burke, of Delray Beach, to serve as Judge on the Palm Beach County Court
Burke has served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit since 2005. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston College and her law degree from Florida State University. Burke fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mark T. Eissey.
James Sherman, of Royal Palm Beach, to serve as Judge on the Palm Beach County Court
Sherman has served as a Senior Attorney for the South Florida Water Management District since 2018. Previously, he served as an Attorney at the Law Offices of Richard A. Sherman, P.A. for over ten years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from the University of Miami. Sherman fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Leonard Hanser.
Source: Governor’s Press Office