HCBA Lawyer Magazine Vol. 29, No. 3 | Page 30

DIvErsITY anD FaIrnEss In THE JuDICIaL nomInaTIon proCEss Diversity Committee Chairs: Marsha M. Moses – Law Offices of Kubicki Draper and Abraham Shakfeh – Shakfeh Law, LLC The 13th Circuit JnC values diversity and strives to ensure a diverse selection of the most qualified candidates are submitted to F lorida law governing the composition of the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), which is predominately composed of practicing Florida Bar members directs the Governor to ensure that “to the extent possible, the membership of the commission reflects the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, as well as the the governor for consideration. geographic distribution, of the population within the territorial jurisdiction of the court for which nominations will be considered.” Fla. Stat. §43.291(4). Thus, the Governor is directed to ensure that each JNC reflects the general diversity of its given jurisdiction. Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions are constitutionally- created bodies designed to nominate candidates for judgeship to the Governor for appointment. Fla. Const. Art. V, §11.The Thirteenth Circuit JNC is charged with nominating at least three and no more than six candidates for each judicial vacancy on the Thirteenth Circuit. Although all nine members of the JNC are Continued on page 29 MEDIATION Helping You Get to Yes Reach out to Woody Isom when you need a mediator, arbitrator or special magistrate/master. Certified Circuit Civil and Federal Mediator since 1993, Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with both insurance defense and plaintiff experience. [email protected] www.IsomMediation.com (813) 629-6388 P.O. Box 320461, Tampa, FL 33679-2461 28 Insurance Coverage Disputes Errors & Omissions Claims Property Claims Business Interruption Extra Expense Health Disability Personal Injury Wrongful Death Auto/Motorcycle Premises Liability Commercial Litigation Nursing Home Medical Malpractice Product Liability Aviation JAN - FEB 2019 | HCBA LAWYER