Governor makes eight judicial appointments

Governor makes eight judicial appointments

Gov. Ron DeSantis made eight judicial appointments February 19, two to the Orange County court, two to the Osceola County court, two to the 11th Circuit, and two to the Miami-Dade County bench.

Jeramy Beasley of Orlando to serve as a judge in Orange County

Beasley has worked as a litigation attorney for Garganese, Weiss, D’Agresta & Salzman since 2022. Previously, he served as the director of legal services for the Hillsborough Regional Transit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from Florida A&M University. Beasley fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Bain.

Mark Skipper of Maitland to serve as a judge in Orange County 

Skipper has worked as the sole practitioner for the Law Office of Mark A Skipper, P.A., since 2007. Previously, he served as a senior attorney for the Florida Department of Children and Families. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. Skipper fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Sandor.

Celia Dorn of Kissimmee to serve as a judge in Osceola County

Dorn has worked as a staff attorney for Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough since 2021. Previously, she was an assistant city attorney for the City of Kissimmee. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and her juris doctor from the University of Florida. Dorn fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Arendas.

Juna Pulayya of St. Cloud to serve as a judge in Osceola County

Pulayya has served as a general magistrate for the Ninth Judicial Circuit since 2022. Previously, he was an attorney for JMP Law. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida A&M University. Pulayya fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Epperson.

Carlos Gamez of Coral Gables to serve as a judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit

Gamez has served as a county court judge for Miami-Dade County since 2020. Previously, he served as an assistant state attorney in the 11th Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and his juris doctor from the University of Miami. Gamez fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Aponte.

Christine Hernandez of Miami to serve as a judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit

Hernandez has served as an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of Florida since 2018. Previously, she served as an assistant state attorney in the 11th Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and her juris doctor from the University of Miami. Hernandez fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Bailey.

Jennifer Hochstadt of Aventura to serve as a judge on the Miami-Dade County Court

Hochstadt has served as an assistant county attorney in the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office since 2015. Previously, she was a law clerk for United States District Court Judge Martinez in the Southern District of Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her juris doctor from the University of Miami. Hochstadt fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge González-Marqués.

Jason Reding Quiñones of Coral Gables to serve as a judge in Miami-Dade County 

Quiñones has served as an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of Florida since 2018. Previously, he served as an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida International University. Quiñones fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Bandín.