THE CAPTAIN REPORTS:
CIRCUIT COURT GROUP 20 .......
Another Circuit Court race pitting an incumbent judge against a challenger. In this race Incumbent Judge Robert Watson faces a challenge from attorney Brenda Guerrero.
First a little background on the two candidates:
Robert T. Watson (I)
Judge Watson has been a member of The Florida Bar for 18 years. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Watson worked at Steel Hector, Holland & Knight, as an AUSA (for 5 years), and Kobre & Kim. He was appointed to the County Court bench in January of 2019 by Gov Rick Scott as one of Scott's last appointments. He was then elevated to the Circuit Court in December of 2019 by Gov. DeSantis. This will be his first election campaign.
Judge Watson has a Net Worth of $1,009,000. Judge Watson reports income of $161,797 from the State of Florida; (and an extra $22,000 from other sources). He has raised $181,868 from a total of 419 contributors. He has loaned his campaign a total of $50,000. To date, he has spent a total of $152,744 on his campaign.
Brenda Guerrero
Attorney Brenda Guerrero has been a member of The Florida Bar for 16 years. She currently runs a private practice specializing in Family law where she has been for the past almost five years. She spent two years working as a Staff Attorney for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society; she then spent nine years working as a Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney where she was assigned to the Child Support Division. She previously applied to the JNC for an open County Court seat. The JNC vetted her application, interviewed her, and did send her name up as a nominee for an open County Court seat to Governor Scott. This will be Brenda Guerrero’s first election campaign.
Attorney Guerrero has a Net Worth of $186,361. Brenda Guerrero’s reported income for 2021 was $94,000, entirely from her law practice. She has raised a total of $51,206 from 146 contributors and she added $22,500 of her own money. To date, she has spent $56,869 on her campaign.
On July 19, 2018, in a sworn submission to the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), in her Application for Nomination to the Miami-Dade County Court, attorney Brenda Gitchev Guerrero (she used her married name in 2018, but she has since divorced from Mr. Gitchev) stated, in response to the Question: “In your lifetime, how many (number) of the cases you have tried to verdict or judgment were ...:
Non-Jury Trials - 200
Jury Trials - 0
In 2022, candidate Brenda Guerrero completed a Questionnaire from the League of Prosecutors (LOP) in advance of their Judicial Endorsement Forum. In that filing, she claimed that she has a total of:
Bench Trials, Civil, - Approximately 1500*
Ms. Guerrero has been a licensed attorney in Florida for 16 years. According to her answers with the LOP, she has concentrated her practice in “family law for over 14 years and Civil Law for nearly 2 years”.
*Let’s do the math. That means attorney Brenda Guerrero has handled at least 1,300 non-jury trials in just the past four years. That breaks down to an average of 325 Non-Jury Trials a year. There are only 248 work days in a calendar year (Monday through Friday minus court holidays). That works out to an average of 1.3 trials, every single day that the courthouse was opened, for the past four years.
In the spirit of making sure that these figures were accurate, we contacted candidate Brenda Guerrero and asked her to explain whether it was even remotely possible for her to have tried 1,300 Bench Trials in just the past four years. Here is what she had to say:
"Captain Justice, thank you for providing me the opportunity to correct a typo on my JNC application for your readers. Actually, it should have been a "1" in front of the "200". During my tenure as an Assistant State Attorney in the Child Support Division, the case load was very large. As you know, I served for almost 10 years. So at the time of my JNC application, I had litigated at least 1200 bench trials to judgment. Back then, ASA's averaged a minimum of 10 trials to judgment per month (or 120 per year minimum), this is common knowledge in the division. My JNC application woefully underrepresented my trial experience, but with that being said, fortunately the JNC nominated me and determined that I was qualified to be a Judge."
One other matter related to candidate Brenda Guerrero. On June 14, 2022, local attorney Benedict Kuehne sent candidate Guerrero a certified letter concerning “Judicial Campaign Practices”. In that four page letter, Kuehne indicated that he represented the Judge Robert T. Watson Campaign for Circuit Court Judge, Group 20. In the letter Kuehne accused Guerrero's campaign of violating the rules and laws governing judicial campaigns.
Specifically, the Guerrero campaign web site as well as campaign literature listed a number of Endorsements including Endorsements from certain elected officials who were, in 2022, also running for office. Those elected officials included Florida State Senator Jason Pizzo, North Miami Mayor Phillipe Bien-Aime, and Doral Vice-Mayor Digna Cabral.
According to Kuehne, the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee (JEAC) has interpreted the rules and laws of the State of Florida to mean that a candidate for judicial office cannot be endorsed by another candidate currently running for public office in the same election cycle.
A check with Brenda Guerrero’s web site today shows that Senator Pizzo is still listed as an endorsement; (Pizzo is running unopposed in Senate District 37); Vice-Mayor Cabral from Doral is also still listed; (I could not determine whether she is running unopposed or has opposition); and Mayor Bien-Aime’s name has been removed as an endorsement.
We would like to hear from our readers who may have appeared before Judge Watson to give some insight into how he is as a judge. He has been described as smart, fair, and good, but stern to a fault.
We have already posted stories on three other judicial races including Judge Fred Seraphin vs. Renier Diaz de la Portilla; Judge Lody Jean vs. Teressa Tylman; and Judge Oscar Rodriguez Fonts vs. Jason Bloch. That leaves one Circuit Court race: Judge Mark Blumstein vs. Ariel Rodriguez; and two County Court races: Judge Jeffrey Kolokoff vs. Lissette De La Rosa; and Judge Scott Janowitz vs. Alicia Priovolos.
Also to come, some BREAKING news on a Bar Complaint just filed against a certain judicial candidate whom I think our readers should be able to very easily figure out. I think Rumpole refers to him as “de la Liar”.
EARLY VOTING OPENS TODAY
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY EARLY VOTING OPENS TODAY. For some unknown reason, North of the Border in Broweird County, their early voting does not begin until August 15.
Captain4Justice@gmail.com
Judge Watson is an excellent judge. He is smart, prepared and fair. He is calm and kind. At the CABA forum on Friday, Guerrera complimented him, saying “he is a good person and is working really hard to keep his job.” He deserves to keep the seat.
ReplyDeleteI've had maybe 15-20 cases with Judge Watson (many 1st degrees). He was appointed to circuit right before pandemic hit so he's in a weird position not having a full tenure in-court. While he sometimes rules against my clients, I've only known him to be thoughtful and considerate in making big decisions. Even keeled and slow tempered, he is eager to do the right thing and to learn as much as possible about the situation. There is zero "shooting from the hip" with Watson (which can be a little slow but preferred to the alternative Wild Wild West Style). He has my vote regardless of the opponent. However, his opponent is unqualified and was a mess at every forum attended. She talks like a robot and is clearly not qualified to be in such an important role. Besides the ethical issues, she doesn't have the experience required. Her courtroom (God forbid) will be a disaster. Lastly, we can ALL name the good judges who got ousted by a nobody with a more popular sounding last name who was looking for a pay raise and now they're a mess in court with an uppity attitude, lack of respect towards the litigants, and a permanent ignorance to the law.
ReplyDeleteIn response to how Judge Watson is on the bench, I find Judge Watson to be extremely qualified as a jurist. He is always prepared and seems tp make a real effort to be fair and do the right thing. He also maintains high standards for those who appear before him, which is something the state court needs more of. He is also super patient, calm and composed. His decisions are precise and well thought out. He is very intelligent but he doesn't allow his intelligence to overshadow his kindness. He is also a very funny person! I have seen him campaigning and he is super down to earth. He also speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently. He is originally from California but he went to school in the east coast and lived several years in South American teaching kids English. I find Judge Watson to be the more qualified candidate.
ReplyDeleteWhy isn’t any lawyer who has tried a hundred or so federal, felony or civil jury trials running for judge ? Where are the experienced candidates ? I don’t understand it.
ReplyDeleteIn other news at least five people have tried to register for the survivor pool as Hanzy & Coco. Can you all get together and work this out please?
Because a state court judge's salary would be a pay cut for any lawyer who has tried a hundred or so federal, felony or civil jury trials.
ReplyDeleteHere’s the deal Rumpole. I wrote the original Hanzy & Coco comment where a typo for Colby became Coco and the rest is blog history. I should be allowed to play as Hanzy & Coco. Let the imitators be fake Hanzy & coco.
ReplyDeleteMost of Guerreros trials are brief child support hearings before hearing officers against often pro se litigants. The evidence at these trials often consists of tax returns and pay stubs. Somehow she gets away with calling these “trials.” This race should not even be close.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with several of the statements in the 8/8/22 8:44 AM comment. I appeared before Judge Watson regularly on numerous felony cases. He had high standards for anyone involved in the cases he presides over, from attorneys to court staff to evaluating doctors, etc. He asks questions, reviews the applicable law, listens to both sides' arguments, and puts real effort and attention into each ruling. He treated defendants with respect and seemed to appreciate the gravity of how their lives were impacted by what happened in his courtroom. I will happily vote for Judge Watson based on my experience practicing in front of him. Furthermore, I do have concerns about the qualifications and experience of his opponent.
ReplyDeleteWhy would an experienced lawyer not run for judge? If a lawyer has a strong practice then it makes no sense to want to be a judge. As ugly as private practice can be, politics seems much uglier. I think you'd have to be a subnormal to go into politics if you're making good money in private practice.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Watson can be painfully slow but, since he has a heart of gold and tries to be fair, he's definitely a keeper
If you appear in front of Watson on a regular basis you will see that he rude, condescending, and treats court like a law school hypo. He has no idea how to run a calendar and blames everyone but himself. I will not be voting for him.
ReplyDeleteRude and inefficient are the best words used to describe Watson. As a defendant or defense attorney, expect to wait at least an hour before he calls your case. That's over zoom. But if you appear in-person, prepare to see his pettiness on who he decides to take first. The latest Watson move is that he may take a break in the middle of calendar to take photos of himself in Court for his campaign. Then come back on the record and lose his temper as to why things are taking so long and begin to rush people because he has an event to go to by 11. During this hissy fit he will bring up his 700 plus caseload which is due to his lack of efficiency. The only good thing about Watson is that if your client picks up a new case while out he on release he will let them out. But good luck having him ratify an adj cts on a simple possession charge.
ReplyDeleteI have faith that Watson's dossiers will prove to be the winning difference
ReplyDeleteHow many trials did Watson have as a lawyer? Please advise so we can compare apples to apples.
ReplyDeleteI join in with the above comments on Judge Watson. He is everything one would want in a judge. He is bright, patient, and a great listener. He seeks a good and fair result. After 49 years in that sorry, tired building, named after my first boss, Judge Watson is worthy of continued service as a circuit court judge. I have seen the greats, near greats, and the not so greats, over my time of service. Judge Watson will no doubt when reelected go on to be one of the greats to sit in that building. Let us make sure that this man get reelected.
ReplyDeleteTo know Watson is to like him. Period. End of Story.
ReplyDeleteI’ve had a number of cases before Judge Watson and I have no complaints. Respectful, thoughtful, informed, intelligent and possessing first class temperament and demeanor. I will enthusiastically vote for him.
ReplyDeleteI’m the real COCO. I live in a lovely oceanfront home in Malibu (or La Jolla - whatever!). I’m a Senior Judge. I’m best friends with Hanzy. I get to play the survivor pool for the NFL as the REAL COCO. Period. Yes?
ReplyDeleteThere is no Fake HANZY AND COCO.
ReplyDeleteThey are stars and celebrities and the real deal.
Judge Watson's experience and passion for criminal justice and law makes it a no-brainer for me. He has my vote and support! On a professional level, I know him to be eloquent, fair, and prepared. On a personal level, I know he has contributed greatly to our community at large with his involvement with non-profit work, specifically with work he does with at-risk youths. He cares and has experience. There's no doubt that his heart and mind are in the right place.
ReplyDeleteIs Watson as good a Judge as Hanzy Hanzman or Coco Colby?
ReplyDeleteMonday, August 08, 2022 5:18:00 PM
ReplyDeleteI hope you realize the driving distance between Malibu and La Jolla is over 2 hrs.
Monday, August 08, 2022 5:18:00 PM
ReplyDeleteI hope you realize the driving distance between Malibu and La Jolla is over 2 hrs.
Watson is kind and respectful to both sides and the families of defendants. I've had several very serious cases with Judge Watson and he is usually right on the money when it comes to calling fair shots. When Watson first started, he was a newcomer to circuit criminal law but was humble and would ask questions to both sides or take things under advisement so he could research. Now he has years of experience and still maintains the decency, humility, and respect. I won't say anything bad about his opponent as I don't know her; but I can't imagine anyone would dump a true jurist like Watson for a complete unknown whose first jury trial would be from the bench.
ReplyDeleteThank You for this informative post on this race, I had no idea that Guerrero was nominated by the local JNC. So theres no question regarding her experience if the JNC nominated her. Thats the same JNC that nominated Judge Watson, Judge Jean, Judge Kolokoff and Judge Janowitz, Judge Bloch and so if we dont question there crendentials we shouldnt question hers. I also didnt know that Jason Pizzo endorsed her. He was an excellent ASA and now the Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee of the Florida Senate, which isnt easy when you are not in the majority party. I live in North Miami and Mayor Bien Aime turned around the city, for first time in years the city is in the red, so his endoresement of Guerrero, matters in North Miami. With the Vice Mayor of Doral endorsing her, Guerrero looks like she has a diverse spectrum of people supporting her campaign, from different sections of Dade County and Black, White and Hispanic. Based on the previous comments, it seems like Judge Watson has the support of Criminal Lawyers while he's in their Division during election time, thats just good business for the criminal defense bar. Thank You for the information, you finalized my decision.
ReplyDeleteCan someone give Brenda a job?
DeleteFirst, *didn’t and *isn’t. Second, “in the red” is bad, not good. Third, watch your comma usage and capitalization. We need judges who know how to write.
DeleteYou actually think I should spell check these responses??? Not that important...The point was nevertheless well made: if the Judicial Nominating Commission nominations mean so much to you, then its disingenous to question Guerreros qualifications (who was nominated in 2018).
DeleteHere's to the most famous duos of all time.
ReplyDeleteBert and Ernie. Rodgers and Hammerstein. Abbott and Costello. Tom and Jerry. Fred and Barney. Batman and Robin. Cheech and Chong. Luke and Leia. Master and Commander. Spongebob and Patrick. Shaggy and Scooby. Sonny and Cher. K.C. and JoJo. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Thelma and Louise. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
Now:
Hanzy and Coco.
Every judicial election cycle we hear "why is so and so filing against this sitting judge?' Why is any judge entitled to their job, year after year? Every election cycle is a new job interview for whomever wants the job (whether it is to get the job or keep the job you have). Why don't all the judges draw opposition every election cycle? There are no real answers to these questions (I am sure there will be many answers given, but there are no real answers). What is a shame is that you have some qualified candidates that have filed against sitting judges, but because you have had one or two or ten cases in front of a judge you think they are qualified to preside over the 700+ cases they have. Judicial efficiency is as important as being heard and both should be mastered.
ReplyDeleteNon-jury trials can be as complicated as jury trials, you simply have a different audience (judge vs. jury) and some would say the harder audience that requires the greater skill as a lawyer is the judge and not the jury. Just ask any lawyer who has litigated a 3.850. The opinions or your readers that choose to comment here is skewed that only those that tried cases in front of juries are real lawyers. I think there is an entire world of matrimonial lawyers that would disagree with every criminal lawyer who reads this blog.
As for why those who are experienced trial lawyers don't run for judge, I think it is because they love what they do so why sit and referee the game when you can still play in it? Jury trials are fun, but bench trials are challenging, does that make anyone less of a lawyer?
The bigger problem that faces the bench today is that many politically connected young lawyers are getting appointed before they are ready to do the job, and others are getting elected without having enough experience to take on the spot they are assigned to when they take the bench. Why not try to learn a little more about the people on the bench and those who aspire to be on it before the baseless bashing starts or continues.
And just because one hispanic female candidate has played the name game, that doesn't mean that every hispanic female candidate plays on their name - which is personified by candidates that are running in this very election cycle.
I will now vacate the soap box.
Right. The career child support lawyer, who being a judge would be a large pay raise for, and who went to St. Thomas, is just as qualified for circuit judge as the Georgetown/Stanford graduate with a long and esteemed litigation career at the US attorneys office and some of the nation/city’s biggest firms. Because bench trials matter too!
DeleteWell the JNC thought that those bench trials mattered, and sent her name to the Governor for appointment...so go figure! And if you think that because she went to St Thomas Law instead of Georgetown Law, then you may also think that her attending Allapatah Middle, Miami Jackson Senior and Miami Dade College is also a problem. Perhaps shopping at Winn-Dixie instead of Fresh Foods makes her less than too!
Delete1:30 AM - If you are referring to Tylman who recently changed her name to Cervera, Tylman is not Hispanic. She grew up in Virginia then spent a lot of time in Broward. Tylman does not speak Spanish, in fact she is afraid to speak at all in public as evidenced by her failure to appear at every single judicial forum.
ReplyDeleteI was Judge Watson's trial partner at the USAO and know him well. He is smart and may be the most prepared attorney I know. Before interviewing with the JNC he not only observed several JNC sessions, but also sat in the retiring judge's courtroom to watch the docket and speak directly with the judge. He has received high marks in county and circuit, and I predict he eventually moves up to the DCA or even federal bench. Get to know him and you will like him too.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete11.14 and 11.48 am on 8/8 are right re: Watson's demeanor and wasting of time of other participants in the system.
Blog's comments on the huge numbers of ASAs etc appointed by Scott and DeSantis are important to consider, too. These folks are not getting training in civil rules and practice, and not everyone can go to criminal.
J Watson began in county civil, and was soon underwater; all the personality issues cited by others emerged, enhanced by lack of practice in civil matters. Just think what a mess Surfside's case would be without J Hanzman's deep and nuanced civil experience (not to mention the chops to talk prominent lawyers to work for the case for free).
Guerrero has lots of civil experience, even if not before juries, and her length of practice (plus prior referral to gov for appointment) make her a valid and viable choice.