Integrity. Experience. Work Ethic.

Education

Florida Court Education Faculty Training

• Judicial Trainer Certification (2017)

National Institute for Trial Advocacy

• NITA Trainer Certification (2011)

Harvard University, MIT and Tufts University
Continuing education consortium programs

• Executive Management (2003)
• Negotiation for Executives (2002)

Florida International University College of Business

• Advanced Financial Accounting for Executives Program (2004)

Boston College Law School

• Juris Doctor  (Active member of the Florida Bar)
• Vice President, Law Student Association
• Founding Member, Children’s Rights Project

Boston College

• B.A., Magna Cum Laude, Major English
• Dean’s List, All semesters
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Outstanding College Students of America
  

Awards & Honors

2011:  Robert L. Shevin Public Service Award

2010:  Finalist (Runner-up) Daily Business Review’s Most Effective Attorney Award

2021: Recipient of the Honorable Theodore "Ted" Klein Award 
 - Awarded by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Miami-Dade Chapter)

Background

2011 to Present:  Miami-Dade County Court Judge, State of Florida 11th Judicial Circuit

• Previously served as Associate Administrative Judge of Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Division from 2017-2025
• Cross-designated as Circuit Court Judge for purposes of conducting hearings on Petitions for Civil Injunctions
• Responsible for judicial training of Domestic Violence Judges
• Presiding over Domestic Violence Drug Court 2011-2015, 2017-Present
• Presided over all criminal and civil matters at the Miami Beach Courthouse from 2015-2017

2008-2011:  Statewide Deputy Director and Regional Director, Children's Legal Services at the Florida Department of Children and Families

• Responsible for all CLS attorneys and support staff handling Chapter 39 dependency matters in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties
• Conducted ongoing local and statewide training on trial advocacy, management, quality control and various Chapter 39 matters
• Handled all aspects of select high profile dependency cases
• Responsible for creating and implementing statewide policies and procedures
• Participated in collaboration on numerous child welfare matters with community partners, case management agencies and the judiciary
• Developed expertise in areas of psychotropic medication, immigrant children in the dependency system and Chapter 744 guardianship

2006-2008:  Senior Vice President, Passport Marine

• Negotiated numerous corporate contracts and managed outside legal counsel on company legal matters
• Conducted critical assessment of short and long term needs of all existing company infrastructure, departments and personnel
• Created and implemented company policies and procedures focusing on increasing efficiencies and reducing costs
• Managed all aspects of Human Resources Department including legal compliance, establishing 401(k) program, and goal/compensation structure
• Developed and implemented new wholesale business paradigm, creating and executing formal relationships with marine manufacturers and dealers
• Served as interim operations executive of company wide Service Department
• Assisted in formation of Take A Kid Boating Foundation, a non-profit focused on providing underprivileged children access to boating
• Worked closely with Board of Directors on business planning and workout/turnaround strategy

2001-2006:  Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Inktel Direct

• Reviewed, negotiated and drafted extensive contract language and managed all company legal matters
• Managed outside counsel focused on risk assessment, proactive issue identification, quality and cost effectiveness
• Responsible for operational, personnel and fiscal duties for up to 275 employees
• Developed and successfully implemented companywide restructure focused on streamlining management, establishing processes and procedures, created necessary redundancies and built successful teams
• Responsible for all aspects of project management for Fortune 500 clients including negotiation, implementation, launch, quality and performance
• Initiated and crafted numerous strategic partnerships resulting in increased efficiencies, revenue and quality
• Identified, pursued and closed revenue generating deals as member of executive management team
• Produced, analyzed and managed operating budgets
• Created and supervised execution of end-to-end marketing strategies for clients
• Responsible for company-wide state and federal regulatory compliance (FCC, FTC, Title VII)
• Conducted lobbying efforts with state and federal Congressional leaders on behalf of direct marketing industry

2000-2001:  Manager of Business Development, CBSSportsline.com

• Negotiated and executed complex, strategic revenue generating deals and drafted contract language
• Responsible for various broadband, interactive television and e-commerce strategies and initiatives in addition to general business development
• Completed due diligence and analyzed companies for acquisition opportunities
• Managed project teams including sales, production, multimedia and art departments

1996-2000:  Talent and Literary Junior Agent, United Talent Agency

• Represented actors, actresses, writers and directors in all aspects of obtaining employment
• Handled multi-million dollar contract negotiations with major studios and production companies
• Pursued and signed new clients
• Contributed to agency wide multimedia strategy
• Created and supervised implementation of company database

1993-1996:  Assistant State Attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office

• Handled all aspects of over twenty-five felony jury trials including Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Burglary and Armed Robbery
• Responsible for filing charges, conducting depositions, writing legal memoranda and victim/witness preparation
• First in class of thirty-five attorneys to be promoted to Felony Trial Division

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