Temika Hampton-Johnson

Personal Statement

I am uniquely qualified to serve as a Circuit Court Judge because my 13-year career has been intentionally well-rounded, giving me experience across a wide spectrum of the law rather than a single specialty. I have represented clients across family, labor and employment, administrative, contract, probate, and civil law. Operating at nearly every stage of the litigation process, from motion practice and evidentiary hearings to arbitrations and trials, has given me firsthand insight into the exact procedural and legal complexities that judges encounter daily.

My perspective on the law has been shaped by the diversity of those I have served. I have advocated for everyday individuals, governmental entities, labor organizations, and community groups. This range taught me that behind every docket number is a human story or a vital community interest. Furthermore, my time as an Assistant Public Defender and as an attorney with the Social Security Administration’s Office of General Counsel forced me to hone my litigation skills in high-volume, high-stakes environments. In those roles, I learned that efficiency cannot come at the expense of equity.

Beyond traditional advocacy, a significant portion of my career has focused on dispute resolution and contract negotiations. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil and Family Law Mediator, I have spent countless hours managing contentious proceedings, looking past emotional noise to identify the core legal issues driving a dispute. Similarly, serving as chief negotiator and general counsel for more than 8,000 public school employees required me to evaluate systemic risk, interpret complex contracts, and build consensus under pressure. These experiences refined my ability to command a room and maintain absolute neutrality in highly charged environments, skills that translate directly to effective courtroom management.

Throughout my career, I have developed a reputation for preparation, professionalism, and integrity. I understand that judges must apply the law fairly, remain independent, and make decisions based on the facts and the law rather than personal beliefs or external pressures. I am committed to treating every litigant, attorney, witness, and court employee with respect while ensuring that cases are handled efficiently and thoughtfully. If given the honor to serve, I will ensure a courtroom where the law is applied thoughtfully, cases move efficiently, and every party receives a fair hearing.

Arthur McNeil

Personal Statement

The qualities, skills and experiences that make me well suited to be an effective Judge include my commitment to justice, temperament, trial experience.

My legal career has been dedicated to public service by defending the constitutional rights of the indigent community. I began my career at the Public Defenders Office in Miami, gained valuable trial experience, and learned many lessons about the practice of law. From there I opened my own firm practicing various areas of law and also serving as an Assistant Regional Counsel. I expanded my legal repertoire and became a Supreme Court Certified Civil Circuit Court Mediator. That experience helped me better understand how to help people mutually reach a desirable outcome to a conflict.

After 8 years in private practice I decided to return 100% to public service at the Public Defenders Office. My commitment to justice led me to be promoted from a trial attorney to a Training Attorney where I trained young attorneys new to the felony division on all areas of trial practice and client centered representation. This included trying cases with them. My dedication in this role led to being promoted to Senior Supervising Attorney. In this role I supervised young and experienced attorneys, managed caseloads, participated in management decisions, and resolved issues between the judiciary and attorneys.

My temperament is well suited for the judiciary. Throughout my career I have practiced law with civility and respect for opposing counsels and litigants. While trial practice is adversarial, the legal system relies upon the attorneys not becoming adversaries. I have built my reputation daily in court zealously advocating for my clients, while respecting the process and opposing counsel. Because of this I gained the endorsement of the Miami Dade League of Prosecutors.

My trial experience and dedication to the community are also things that make me well suited for the judiciary. There is a proverb that states: “Smooth seas, do not make skillful sailors.” I have litigated jury trials on cases ranging from 2nd Degree Misdemeanors through 1st Degree Murder with the Death Penalty waived; and most of my trials have been through verdict. I have learned many legal and life lessons through those trials.

Throughout my life I have always found a way to mentor and give back to the community. Serving others has always kept me grounded and given me perspective on life.

Monica Segura

Personal Statement

My prior experience as a Special Master/Magistrate for the Town of Miami Lakes for almost four years would definitely assist me in holding office. This experience sets me apart from others. Further, my ability to manage a busy calendar puts me in a unique position to be successful when given the opportunity.

Additionally, my prior experience managing Chinese Drywall cases in the Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL") in New Orleans and throughout the counties in Florida for years, have also provided me with great experience in overseeing large volumes of cases effectively and efficiently.

In sum, my twenty years of experience as a defense lawyer, dedication to different bar organizations, and my contributions of maintaining a successful career while balancing the responsibilities of a partner then supervisor at a major corporation including that of mentoring young lawyers and staff would translate very well to that of holding judicial office. This past summer, I was also an adjunct professor at St. Thomas, College of Law. That experience has, too, shaped me in order to become a better candidate for this position if given the honor. My prior experience as a Special Master/Magistrate for the Town of Miami Lakes for almost four years would definitely assist me in holding office. This experience sets me apart from others. Further, my ability to manage a busy calendar puts me in a unique position to be successful when given the opportunity.

Rita Baez

Personal Statement

I am a proud South Florida native. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and my law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. For nearly 30 years, I have had the privilege of practicing law in this community—litigating thousands of cases and serving as counsel in more than 80 jury trials.

Throughout my career, I have represented individuals and small businesses during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. That experience has shaped who I am as a lawyer and who I will be as a judge—someone who understands that every case matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every litigant deserves respect.

I also believe that serving as a judge should not be an entry point—it should be the culmination of a long career as a litigator. The bench demands not only knowledge of the law, but the perspective that comes from years in the courtroom: making arguments, evaluating evidence, working through complex issues, and understanding the real-world impact of judicial decisions. That depth of experience is what I bring to this role.

I am running for Circuit Court Judge because I believe our community deserves a judge with real courtroom experience, sound judgment, and the right temperament—someone who will be fair, prepared, and committed to upholding the rule of law.

Yaneth Baez

Personal Statement

A steadfast commitment to the rule of law, an unyielding fidelity to our Constitution, and a balanced judicial temperament are the cornerstones of my candidacy for the 11th Judicial Circuit. Serving as a prosecutor for more than nine years has uniquely prepared me for this bench. My mandate has been to rigorously analyze evidence, examine controlling case law, and carefully weigh adversarial arguments. Simultaneously, I have balanced the critical need for community safety and victim advocacy with a just consideration of mitigating factors. Mastering this complex equilibrium has thoroughly equipped me to assume the responsibilities of a Circuit Court Judge.

A capable judiciary demands jurists who have spent their careers in the courtroom actively trying cases, litigating motions, and navigating the complexities of evidentiary rules. This depth of practical experience ensures consistent, legally sound rulings and minimizes the burden of cases returned on appeal. I am deeply honored to have received the vote of confidence from the 11th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission, having been elevated to the Governor’s Office as a judicial nominee on four separate occasions.

However, my devotion to Miami-Dade County extends far beyond the courtroom; it is deeply rooted in my community involvement. As a participant in the National Black Prosecutors Association’s "Real Talk" sessions, I visit local middle and high schools to provide students with a clear understanding of the justice system and the laws that affect them. I am also an active speaker and mentor for the National Organization for Women, sharing my professional journey to inspire and guide future leaders. Furthermore, I am a member of the League of Prosecutors, the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association, and the Miami-Dade Bar Association, and I proudly serve on the board of Miami Bridge, an organization supporting families experiencing homelessness.

My ties to this jurisdiction are profound and personal. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, I was educated at Miami Beach Senior High School, Florida International University, and the University of Akron School of Law. This foundation gives me an intimate understanding of the rich tapestry of our community, to which I have dedicated my professional life. Beyond public service, I have firmly established my roots here purchasing my home, raising my child, and welcoming my fiancé from Akron, Ohio. It is this precise combination of extensive courtroom experience, vetted civic credentials, and deep personal investment that qualifies me to serve on the Circuit Court bench.

David Fry

Personal Statement

I am a well-rounded litigation attorney who has served as trial counsel in over 70 jury trials that reached verdict. I have tried cases each as a criminal prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, and as a civil litigator. As a criminal defense attorney, I have served as lead trial counsel on cases up to first degree murder, and I have attended further education that focused on the selection of juries in cases for cases in which capital punishment is sought. As a civil attorney, I have served as second chair trial counsel in matters involving substantial claims of damages. Further, a significant portion of my practice now entails Mental Health Court, criminal competency hearings, and insanity defenses. Additionally, I have experience in handling criminal appeals while at the Public Defender’s Office.

I currently serve as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County where I practice in my office's major crimes division. Here, I am assigned as attorney of record on homicide and DUI manslaughter cases. Further, I am qualified to sit a second-chair on death penalty cases. My trial experience here includes murder, violent crimes, economic crimes, sex offenses, and drug trafficking.

I have prior experience in civil litigation where I represented, as an associate attorney, insurance carriers and their insured in civil litigation matters involving liability, first-party breach of contract, or coverage. Here, component of my duties was to prepare a high volume civil litigation caseload at all stages from intake through trial.

I began my legal career as a CLI for the State Attorney's Office in Orlando, and was hired as an Assistant State Attorney upon becoming admitted to the Florida Bar in 2014. At this office I oversaw the attorneys staffed by the State Attorney to a county courtroom, and served as a traffic and DUI prosecution specialist that focused on the admissibility of "breath" evidence as it related to blood alcohol content.

Prior to attending law school I taught social studies at a Catholic 6-12 school in Miami that had deep ties to the Cuban diaspora community. I hold a Masters Degree in Education in addition to my undergraduate degree in International Relations. I earned by law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2014.

Tamar Hamilton

Personal Statement

For more than twenty-five years, Broward County has been my home, and I have dedicated my legal career to serving its residents with integrity, professionalism, and respect. My experience as a civil litigator, Special Magistrate, Adjunct Professor of Law, and community educator has prepared me to serve as an effective Circuit Court Judge.

As an attorney, I have represented individuals, families, businesses, and financial institutions in a broad range of civil matters, including real estate, probate, estate planning, business, and foreclosure cases. This experience has provided me with a thorough understanding of civil procedure, evidentiary principles, legal analysis, and the importance of applying the law thoughtfully and consistently.

My service as a Special Magistrate has strengthened my ability to evaluate evidence, listen carefully to all parties, conduct proceedings fairly and efficiently, and render well-reasoned decisions based on the facts and the law. These experiences have reinforced the importance of judicial impartiality, patience, and maintaining the dignity of the courtroom.

As an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University School of Law, I have had the privilege of mentoring future attorneys and emphasizing professionalism, ethics, and preparation. Teaching has sharpened my ability to communicate complex legal principles clearly while fostering respect for the rule of law.

Beyond my professional responsibilities, I have remained committed to public service by conducting educational seminars on estate planning, probate, financial literacy, and legal rights, believing that an informed community is better equipped to navigate the legal system.

I believe an effective judge must possess sound judgment, integrity, humility, diligence, and a commitment to treating every person with fairness and respect. Every individual who enters the courtroom deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and have confidence that their case will be decided impartially according to the law.

If elected, I will bring experience, preparation, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and equal justice under the law while faithfully upholding the Constitution and the laws of the State of Florida.