Open Ninth

Circuit Court Chief Judge Frederick Lauten and Appellate Court Chief Judge Jay P. Cohen have long and distinguished legal careers. Both Chicago natives, the two friends spend this week’s podcast discussing Judge Cohen’s career as an appellate and trial judge and his instrumental hand in creating the Orange County mediation program. Launched in 1992, the program has helped thousands of litigants quickly resolve their disputes while lightening the load off bloated trial dockets and saving countless tax dollars. Judge Cohen was born on the Southside of Chicago (Go White Sox!). He earned a degree in English before receiving his juris doctor, both from the University of Florida. In 1990, Judge Cohen was appointed to the Orange County Bench and was later appointed to the Circuit Bench in 1993. Throughout his career at the Ninth Judicial Circuit, he served as Administrative Judge in the criminal, appellate, and civil divisions. In January 2008, he was appointed to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, becoming Chief Judge this January. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Orlando, Florida is home to many one-of-a-kind attractions: magical Disney World, movie-themed Universal Studios, historic Lake Eola Park, and, depending on your company, the famous Randall Made Knives. In this captivating podcast Judge Lauten speaks with Judge Marc L. Lubet, a veteran of the Orlando law scene, about his experience serving the Florida community, advice on becoming a judge, and his impressive knife and gun collection. Judge Marc L. Lubet was raised in Georgia and received his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida before receiving his juris doctor from the University of Mississippi. He began his successful, inspiring career in 1974 as a personal injury defense attorney and then transitioned to practicing criminal law. In 1976, he set out to make a name for himself as president of his prosperous private practice, Lubet & Blechman, P.A. Throughout his legal career, Judge Lubet has presided over approximately 150 jury trials and currently is the most senior judge in the Ninth Circuit. After thirty-two years of practice and eleven years on the bench, he plans to retire next year. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Over 20 years ago, the idea for Inside the Courts began percolating in Judge Michael Miller’s mind. He had been approached by numerous people asking him legal questions. As the questions continued, it became apparent to Judge Miller that the Courts needed to do a better job of conveying information about the court system to Central Florida’s residents in a practical and informal way. After a couple of meetings with judges and court administration staff, the idea for the program began to materialize. Inside the Courts is a community outreach program that is held in the jury room of the Orange County Courthouse over four consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Presentations are primarily provided by Judges, although staff from Court Administration and other agencies have also participated in the program. The program is dynamic and allows Judges to interact with the public in an informal setting.  Attendees come back year after year since the program’s topics are seldom repeated – last year a small token of appreciation was given to a lady who had attended the program eight times. Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer, interested in a career in the legal field, or a citizen wanting to learn more about the court system, check out this podcast – and better yet, don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Inside the Courts program. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Gisela T. Laurent always knew she wanted to become a Judge. From a young age, she listened to her father describe the importance of professional women and read children’s books that inspired her to become a leader within her community. In this week’s podcast Chief Judge Lauten speaks with the newly elected Judge Laurent about her journey to judgeship and her roots in the Pine Hills community, which shaped her life and has made her forever “Pine Hills Proud.” Throughout her career, she has been a pillar in the her community, participating in various programs that uplift many around her, including distributing backpacks and school supplies to children in need, teaching civics to elementary school students, and actively participating in the Hispanic Bar Association. Judge Laurent was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved with her family to the Pine Hills area at the age of 2. She graduated from Evans High School in 1994 before attending Valencia College for two years where she obtained an AA degree. In 1998, she earned a BA degree from the University of Florida, before earning her JD from the same institution in 2003. Laurent then returned to Central Florida to practice law, beginning as an assistant public defender in the Ninth Circuit and then transitioning to private practice. In November 2016, she was the only judicial candidate in the Circuit to run unopposed and became the first Hispanic female Orange County court judge. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Gisela T. Laurent always knew she wanted to become a Judge. From a young age, she listened to her father describe the importance of professional women and read children’s books that inspired her to become a leader within her community. In this week’s podcast Chief Judge Lauten speaks with the newly elected Judge Laurent about her journey to judgeship and her roots in the Pine Hills community, which shaped her life and has made her forever “Pine Hills Proud.” Throughout her career, she has been a pillar in the her community, participating in various programs that uplift many around her, including distributing backpacks and school supplies to children in need, teaching civics to elementary school students, and actively participating in the Hispanic Bar Association. Judge Laurent was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved with her family to the Pine Hills area at the age of 2. She graduated from Evans High School in 1994 before attending Valencia College for two years where she obtained an AA degree. In 1998, she earned a BA degree from the University of Florida, before earning her JD from the same institution in 2003. Laurent then returned to Central Florida to practice law, beginning as an assistant public defender in the Ninth Circuit and then transitioning to private practice. In November 2016, she was the only judicial candidate in the Circuit to run unopposed and became the first Hispanic female Orange County court judge. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

After discussing the opioid epidemic with Sharon Robinson in our last episode, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten sits down with Jessica Finn to talk about her inspiring story of tragedy, addiction, and triumph. Jessica shares with listeners how she began using alcohol and drugs to mask the pain she felt due to childhood abuse and the heartbreaking losses of her father and best friend. Jessica started out using alcohol and then switched to drugs before becoming quickly addicted to them. After using opioids for about a year, Jessica found herself no longer using them to suppress the pain or to achieve a euphoric high. Instead, she realized she was addicted to the drugs and needed to use simply to function and to feel normal. Unfortunately, the opioid abuse led her down a life of crime, alienation from loved ones, and years of hopelessness. After a 20-year struggle with opioid abuse, Jessica entered into Osceola County’s Adult Drug Court, presided over by Judge Whitehead. Speaking fondly of her experience, she recounts how much she learned about herself during the program. She had to change her environment and find her purpose in order to gain victory over the drugs – a victory she has to fight for every day. Two years into her sobriety, Jessica now conducts meetings at the same Osceola County jail where she was once an inmate. She believes graduating from Drug Court gave her the tools to succeed in the battle with opioids. Jessica has now reconnected with her family, is helping to raise her three nieces, and is changing the lives of many women who also struggle with drug addiction. Jessica explains that, though it is a tough struggle, if you are dealing with an addiction, you can’t give up. “I thought there was no hope for me. I thought I was hopeless. It’s possible to change.” -Jessica Finn Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Did you know approximately 85% of Americans claim they have no bias? If this statement seems a bit improbable in the wake of today’s social climate, then you’re right in step with this podcast’s guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Sawyer. As discussed by Judge Lauten and the former president of the National Association of State Judicial Educators, bias can be found just about anywhere. Even those working in the judicial system can fall victim to such biases – including judges and attorneys. Joseph Sawyer has worked with the National Judicial College since 1982 and throughout his career has helped train several thousand judges and other professionals to engage in ethical, fair, and diversity sensitive practices. Listen as they discuss the potential impact both explicit and implicit bias has on our system of justice, ways in which to address these biases, and how utilizing tools like the Harvard Implicit Association Test can reveal biases that we’re not even aware of. Mr. Sawyer is the Director of Faculty Development and Distance Learning for the National Judicial College. He has developed distance learning programs for many topics, such as ethics, bias, and judging and has been invited to speak across the globe, including in Russia, Bosnia, and Liberia. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

The judicial system is tasked with making decisions that can affect a person’s livelihood, and in some cases, even their very lives. With such high stakes, what role do Chief Judges play in ensuring that Circuits are dispensing justice fairly, effectively, and efficiently throughout Florida? And do they receive any additional compensation for taking on the added responsibilities?  Tune in to this podcast to hear 9th Circuit Chief Judge Fred Lauten and 18th Circuit Chief Judge John Galluzzo discuss the difficult challenges Chief Judges face. Through the prism of a shared experience as heads of their circuits, they convey to listeners – using humor and “non-legalese” – how Chief Judges juggle responsibilities while overseeing a multimillion dollar budget and dozens of Judges. And no, they receive the same compensation as other Circuit Judges. Judge John Galluzzo has served on the 18th Circuit bench, which covers Seminole and Brevard counties, for over 10 years. He presided over the latter part of the Trayvon Martin case, which garnered national media attention. He will conclude his 2-year term as Chief Judge this summer. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Doesn’t everyone have a calling in life? Oftentimes our path is nothing like we imagined, but as Justice Alan Lawson proves in the 23rd episode of Open Ninth, this can sometimes be for the best. In this engaging and entertaining podcast, Judge Lauten and Justice Alan Lawson candidly discuss a host of topics including the latter’s journey to being appointed to the Supreme Court, his family’s life-changing volunteer work in Central America that left a lasting impression on a family in need, his experiences working as both a trial judge and an appellate judge, and his adventures joining a local running club. Justice Lawson also reveals how he chose to pursue a legal career, having previously been set on attending the Air Force Academy before life pushed him in a different direction while he was attending school in Tallahassee. Justice Alan Lawson was recently sworn in as the 86th justice to the Florida Supreme Court. In 1987, he began his legal career at a private firm as a trial lawyer, before serving for four years as an Assistant County Attorney in Orange County. He was appointed to the Circuit bench in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and later served as an appellate judge in the Fifth District Court of Appeal where he went on to become Chief Judge. He is the 4th “Orlandoan” to be appointed to the Florida Supreme Court. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Doesn’t everyone have a calling in life? Oftentimes our path is nothing like we imagined, but as Justice Alan Lawson proves in the 23rd episode of Open Ninth, this can sometimes be for the best. In this engaging and entertaining podcast, Judge Lauten and Justice Alan Lawson candidly discuss a host of topics including the latter’s journey to being appointed to the Supreme Court, his family’s life-changing volunteer work in Central America that left a lasting impression on a family in need, his experiences working as both a trial judge and an appellate judge, and his adventures joining a local running club. Justice Lawson also reveals how he chose to pursue a legal career, having previously been set on attending the Air Force Academy before life pushed him in a different direction while he was attending school in Tallahassee. Justice Alan Lawson was recently sworn in as the 86th justice to the Florida Supreme Court. In 1987, he began his legal career at a private firm as a trial lawyer, before serving for four years as an Assistant County Attorney in Orange County. He was appointed to the Circuit bench in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and later served as an appellate judge in the Fifth District Court of Appeal where he went on to become Chief Judge. He is the 4th “Orlandoan” to be appointed to the Florida Supreme Court. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In August, Judge Egan and Judge Marques swung by our studio to discuss popular legally themed movies. They barely scratched the surface before time ran out. Now the 9th Circuit’s own movie critics return to review the greatest legal films of all time. Movies like “My Cousin Vinny” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” form part of our shared American experience. And, one thing’s for sure, whether they make you laugh or challenge your ideas of justice and fairness, iconic movies have a deep, lasting impact on us. So take out the popcorn and listen on as our dynamic duo talk about their favorite legal movies with Judge Lauten. I’m sure they’ll be covering your favorite movie too. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Upon hearing hurricane warnings or watches, many people rush to their local stores to stock up on nonperishable food items or to purchase an array of backup batteries, gas-powered generators, or plywood to prepare for the impending storm. Yet others choose a wait-and-see attitude, believing the cries for caution are overblown. As we witnessed with Hurricane Harvey, the wrong choice can, at times, be costlier than we imagine. In this podcast, Chief Judge Lauten visits WFTV’s studio to talk with their Chief Meteorologist, Tom Terry, about how to prepare for hurricanes and other dangerous storms. Using a telestrator and a high-tech green screen, Tom shows viewers how Hurricane Harvey grew to be a once-in-a-thousand-year storm and discusses the chances of future hurricanes affecting the Florida coastline during the 2017 season. Tom Terry grew up in a small town in Oklahoma in the center of tornado alley. Affectionately nicknamed “Hammertime,” Terry holds the American Meteorological Society’s “Seal of Approval” and became WFTV’s chief meteorologist in 2003. When not forecasting the weather, he likes to work on his Mustang and collect old horror movies. Chief Judge Fred Lauten at the Channel 9 Weather Center with Meteorologist Tom Terry

Let’s talk Soccer or should we say football? Since the downtown Orlando courthouse is a few blocks from the Lion’s Den - - home of Orlando City Soccer - - it is appropriate that we speak to a Judge who played college soccer and who is also an avid Orlando City soccer fan. Listen to Circuit Judge Don Myers talk about playing Soccer for Winter Park High School as a striker and for Emory University playing in the defensive position of a sweeper. He talks about the global, and now a local, phenomenon of soccer. Listen as Judge Lauten discusses with Judge Myers how Orlando City Soccer has changed the face of sports in Orlando, the competitive spirit necessary to play, injuries, teamwork, the nuances of the game, and the passion he has for what was once considered a secondary sport. Judge Myers currently serves in the Complex Civil Litigation division and as Administrative Judge for the Appellate division. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Did you know approximately 85% of Americans claim they have no bias? If this statement seems a bit improbable in the wake of today’s social climate, then you’re right in step with this podcast’s guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Sawyer. As discussed by Judge Lauten and the former president of the National Association of State Judicial Educators, bias can be found just about anywhere. Even those working in the judicial system can fall victim to such biases – including judges and attorneys. Joseph Sawyer has worked with the National Judicial College since 1982 and throughout his career has helped train several thousand judges and other professionals to engage in ethical, fair, and diversity sensitive practices. Listen as they discuss the potential impact both explicit and implicit bias has on our system of justice, ways in which to address these biases, and how utilizing tools like the Harvard Implicit Association Test can reveal biases that we’re not even aware of. Mr. Sawyer is the Director of Faculty Development and Distance Learning for the National Judicial College. He has developed distance learning programs for many topics, such as ethics, bias, and judging and has been invited to speak across the globe, including in Russia, Bosnia, and Liberia. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

At the start of the 20th century, positions in the judicial system were predominantly held by men. It was rare to see a female attorney much less a judge practicing in those professions. But as women entered the workforce in larger numbers and began earning degrees in more diverse fields, law offices and courtrooms began a steady transformation. This change is clearly visible in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, where 32 female judges sit on the bench, accounting for exactly half of the 65 judgeships – one position is currently vacant. Tune in to “Women in Robes” to hear Judge Lauten sit down with Circuit Judge Alice Blackwell and Orange County Administrative Judge Nancy Clark. They talk about some of the hurdles they overcame during their legal career and exchange ideas on the different perspectives – and benefits – women and men bring to the profession. Judge Blackwell has served as a 9th Circuit judge for over 25 years. She has been assigned to numerous divisions and is currently the associate administrative judge for the domestic division. Judge Clark began her judicial career with the circuit in 2000. She currently heads the Orange County Court division. Let us know what you think about the podcast.