Laura Shaffer of Orlando is running for the 9th Circuit Court Judge Group 41. Shaffer’s law experience and expertise have fueled her campaign, while her passion for maintaining a compassionate view and plethora of knowledge are aspects that she brings to the bench.
NHN: What position are you running for?
LS: 9th Circuit Court Judge Group 41. Circuit judges are elected every six years on a nonpartisan basis. They preside over cases in Orange and Osceola counties. These cases include criminal felonies, all areas of domestic relations and family law, juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency, and civil lawsuits.
NHN: What inspired you to run?
LS: I have served this community in various legal capacities throughout my career. From my early years as a prosecutor to supervising attorney at the Department of Children and Families to representing individual clients in my law firm, I have been inspired and motivated by different judges I have encountered. As an attorney who practices daily in court, I know the qualities that comprise a good judge. Based upon my experience, I can add the patience, compassion and knowledge of the law and bring that to the bench. Circuit court judge is a natural progression where I can best serve the most people.
NHN: What do you hope to bring to the position?
LS: I am one of only 95 attorneys in Florida who are Florida Bar Certified in Juvenile Law. There are currently no judges who are Board Certified in Juvenile Law within the state of Florida. I have the depth and breadth of experience in that I have tried jury and non-jury trials. I have represented the citizens of the state of Florida, children, parents and grandparents. I represent children who are victims of human trafficking, have developmental disabilities in dependency court, or who are in residential treatment facilities in the dependency court system.
NHN: How long have you been interested in law?
LS: Early in my childhood, I became fascinated with the judicial system. I honed my skills on the debate team in high school and entered college and majored in pre-law studies. Upon graduation, I entered Stetson University College of Law and began my legal career as a prosecutor in Orange and Osceola counties.
NHN: What does justice mean to you?
LS: I believe justice is an equitable remedy between parties, based upon impartiality and objectivity. To have justice, all parties must know they have been treated fairly under the law. Having been raised in a military family, I understand the importance of protecting each individual’s constitutional rights.
NHN: How do you hope to change the judicial system for the better?
LS: I would like to incorporate technology to increase accessibility and efficiency in the court system. In speaking with the community, I have heard the frustration of citizens who are trying to get their cases heard in front of the court in a timely manner. I believe expedited communications and technology can create increased efficiency within the system to help the community with one of the most important days of their life.
NHN: Anything else you’d like to add?
LS: I would like the voters to visit www.shafferforjudge.com and “Shaffer for Judge” on Facebook for additional information about my candidacy and to remember to vote on Aug. 28. I would humbly ask for their consideration in their vote. I will always work hard to make sure everyone is treated with fairness and respect.
