JUDGES SHELLY SCHWARTZ AND KAREN MILLS FRANCIS

RUMPOLE ENDORSES JUDGE SHELDON SCHWARTZ

Judge Sheldon “Shelly” Schwartz is well known to any and all practitioners of criminal law in Miami. A successful and well respected attorney for decades in Miami, Shelly Schwartz was elected to the County Court Bench where he has exhibited “Manny Crespo” like enthusiasm for his job. That is a compliment in the highest terms, as we all fondly remember that Judge Crespo was never happier then when he was in court working.

We have seen the same Joie de Vivre in Judge Schwartz.

Judge Schwartz frequently arrives early for court to handle routine motions so that by the time the attorneys arrive the work is done. Judge Schwartz has had his detractors and one infamously bad day when there was a long wait in court. But who among us hasn’t had a bad day? And Judge Schwartz stepped up to the plate on this blog and discussed the incident and handled it like the professional that he is.

His opponent, Migna Sanchez Llorens is a “Wellesley Woman” and for those who follow such things, its an important accomplishment. She has worked as a public defender for in the State and Federal system, which means that she has a wealth of criminal law experience. We worry that this is again an instance of someone choosing an opponent because they are vulnerable rather than because they merit replacement. However, unlike other races, Ms. Llorens does have the experience to be a County Court Judge, and in the final analysis, who are we to say why someone is running?

We do view races where an incumbent is being challenged with the question of whether the Judge deserves to be replaced? In this case the answer is clear: Judge Shelly Schwartz has done a fine job and should not be replaced.

RUMPOLE ENDORSES JUDGE SHELDON SCHWARTZ FOR RE-ELECTION.

RUMPOLE ENDORSES JUDGE KAREN MILLS FRANCIS

Challenger Steve Millan was already roasted by the Herald for running a mean spirited campaign and he showed his inexperience if not ignorance in not being able to answer why Judge Mills Francis should be replaced. We choose to concentrate on Judge Mills Francis in this endorsement.

Only in Miami could you walk into a courtroom and witness a tall African American Female Judge, sometimes with brightly coloured hair, engaging in a raucous and intellectual conversation with attorneys arguing a case. There is no doubt that the courtroom belongs to Judge Mills-Francis. We have watched Judge Mills Francis on several occasions and what we always see is a no nonsense judge who can quickly and easily get right to the heart of the matter. Yet, behind what sometimes appears to be a loud blustery demeanor, is a caring and concerned individual. She knows what’s it like to be a defense attorney. She gives great care and concern to any person walking into her courtroom as a victim in a case. And she handles unrepresented defendants as well as any Judge we have ever seen. Judge Mills Francis doesn’t just deserve to be re-elected. She is a true REGJB original and a real treasure. It would be a terrible loss to both the bench, bar and the community if she is defeated at the polls.

RUMPOLE ENDORSES JUDGE KAREN MILLS FRANCIS FOR REELECTION.