Governor appoints seven to the bench
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently appointed seven judges across the state, one each to the First, 13th, 15th, and 17th circuits, one to the Broward County Court, and two 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 Gov. Rick 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 13th Judicial Circuit Court
Moody has served as a judge on the Hillsborough County Court since his appointment by Gov. DeSantis in 2020. Previously, he served as an attorney at Jayson Farthing Skafidas & Wright for 10 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.
Darren Shull of Tequesta to serve as judge on the 15 Judicial Circuit Court
Shull has served as a partner and director for the Law Offices of Darren D. Shull, P.A., since 2006. Previously, he served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Flagler College and his law degree from St. Thomas University. Shull fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph Marx.
Francis Viamontes of Plantation to serve as judge on the 17th Judicial Circuit Court
Viamontes has served as an assistant United States attorney and chief of the narcotics and violent crimes section for the Southern District of Florida since 2011. Previously, she served as an assistant state attorney in the 17th Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Miami. Viamontes fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mily Rodriguez Powell.
Catalina Avalos of Pembroke Pines to serve as judge on the Broward County Court
Avalos has served as a director at Tripp Scott 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 15th 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 10 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.
