This installment of the Daily Business Review's coverage of the August primary elections features Q&As with Michael McAuliffe and Sarah L. Willis, both of whom are vying for Palm Beach Circuit Court judge, Group 25. A third candidate, Henry Quinn Johnson, is also running but did not respond to requests for comment. Here's what McAuliffe and Willis had to say about what qualifies them for the bench. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Michael McAuliffe

McAuliffe is a shareholder at Atherton McAuliffe & Reeder in West Palm Beach, where he focuses on litigation matters in state and federal courts and counsels businesses and individual clients on disputes, compliance matters and investigations. In 2008, McAuliffe was state attorney for the Palm Beach Circuit. In addition, from 2012 to 2016, he served as general counsel of Oxbow Carbon.

Why do you want to be a circuit court judge?

McAuliffe: I wish be a strong example to my three children as someone who serves others, and uses one's talents to make a positive contribution to the community. I seek a judgeship to help preserve the rule of law in our democracy and to protect the ability of the weak and the powerful to be heard on equal terms.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

McAuliffe: I have worked for 29 years as a trial lawyer including successfully prosecuting the leader of the Louisiana Ku Klux Klan and 13 other Klansmen for hate crimes. I served as the elected state attorney in Palm Beach County leading 125 lawyers in court, as a federal prosecutor, a big-firm law partner, and as a company general counsel. I also have taught law school including at Duke (winter session), and the George Washington University. I helped launch a reform law school in the Czech Republic after the fall of Communism and advised the Office of the Czech President and members of the Parliament on law reform issues. I have a long and broad record of legal leadership in the community and the nation.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

McAuliffe: On a personal level, my greatest accomplishment has been raising three wonderful children into adulthood with my wife Robin Rosenberg. On a professional level, I was a leading advocate as state attorney for ethics reforms in Palm Beach County and pushed to make those changes permanent in the county's charter. Today, the community has an inspector general and an ethics commission based on those reforms.

What would a successful term look like for you?

McAuliffe: I believe a successful term is one in which I preside over one or more divisions of the court with professionalism and civility. I will treat lawyers and litigants with respect and be prepared and diligent in my judicial duties. I will consider it a success to have litigants (and lawyers) leave the court system believing that they received a full and fair hearing.

What is the most important issue facing the Palm Beach circuit at the moment?

McAuliffe: One overriding issue is the existence of heavy caseloads in an era of budget constraints. The court system must strive to be efficient, but at the same time be open and accessible to the public. The judiciary ensures that litigants are heard and individual rights are protected, but cases should have finality in a timely manner.

Sarah L. Willis

Willis previously served as assistant state attorney in the Special Victims Unit, handling complex, high-profile criminal cases involving capital sexual battery, rape, homicide, child pornography, child molestation and aggravated child abuse. She has also served as an assistant statewide prosecutor for the Florida attorney general and recently as a general magistrate and child support hearing officer for the 15th Judicial Circuit.

Why do you want to become circuit court judge?

Willis: I have spent my career in the courtroom where I have demonstrated my commitment to serving Palm Beach County. I love the courtroom and the people of this community and want to continue to serve the community as a circuit court judge.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Willis: I began my legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Special Victims Unit. I later joined the Florida Attorney General's Office as an assistant statewide prosecutor where I handled complex multijurisdictional criminal cases involving organize crime and money laundering. In 2014, I was appointed by the chief judge as a general magistrate and child support hearing officer. I recently resigned to run for judge. I have quasi-judicial experience having presided over hundreds of circuit court cases. I also have extensive litigation experience. I have litigated over 85 jury trials, including cases involving capital sexual battery, rape, homicide, and racketeering. My courtroom experience and proven demeanor make me qualified to serve as circuit court judge.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Willis: My biggest achievement would be my children, Gabby, who is 7 years old, and Aedan, who is 21 months. They are the greatest contribution I can give.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Willis: For me, a successful term would be a full and complete term during which the litigants that appeared before me feel that they have been heard and treated fairly.

What is the most important issue facing the Palm Beach circuit at the moment?

Willis: The Palm Beach County Circuit Court is currently limited in its resources, which has a wide-ranging impact, from heavy caseloads to a lack of mental health treatment and alternative sanction options.

Henry Quinn Johnson

A 27-year U.S. Army combat veteran, Quinn has served as an assistant state attorney in both Palm Beach and Pinellas counties. He also served as an assistant attorney general and statewide prosecutor for the state of Florida. Quinn recently retired as a U. S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps Officer and was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. He served two combat tours of duty, one in Iraq during the Gulf War of 1991 and one tour during the Afghanistan War in 2008.