Broward Circuit Court candidates Jackie Powell, left, and Allison Gilman

This installment of the Daily Business Review's coverage of the August primary elections features Q&As with Allison Gilman and Jackie Powell, who along with John “Jack” Phillips, are competing for a seat on the Broward County Circuit Court, Group 19. Phillips did not respond to requests for comment by deadline, but here's what Gilman and Powell had to say about what qualifies them for the bench. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Allison Gilman

An attorney in Broward County for more than 25 years, Gilman worked at the Broward County Public Defender's Office for five years on graduating from law school. While working for the office, Gilman handled hundreds of jury trials before striking out to open her own firm, Gilman and Associates, where she has practiced ever since.

Why do you want to be a county court judge?

Gilman: I strongly believe that, at this time in my life, I could be an asset to the county court bench. I have had so many different experiences and have appeared in front of hundreds of judges that I have seen what influences have changed many lives. I have developed the ability, by  managing a large law firm, to learn how to inspire others and support them so they can be the best at whatever field they would like to pursue. I want to apply that passion to the courtroom. I want the opportunity to bring out the best in people and show them how they can overcome the challenges in their life. I have started and grown a very successful law firm and I am confident that the next chapter of my career — hopefully a long chapter — should be in public service. I chose to run for county court, not circuit court, because I have seen the road in circuit court, and I am hopeful to prevent people from taking that road. In county court I actually have the chance to really make a difference and change people's lives.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Gilman: I believe a judge should possess an ability to be fair, impartial and be able to make people feel that they have been heard. In addition, a Judge needs to be able to see both sides of any issues, keep an open mind and separate their personal feelings from whatever case comes before them. I believe that I have demonstrated these qualities throughout my career representing citizens with diverse backgrounds, cultures and economic status in the community. I also believe that my colleagues, clients and all courtroom staff and all people I have worked with throughout my 27 years of practice would agree these are the qualities I possess. I have only heard one statement since I decided to run for judge, “Allison, please don't change.” I think that speaks for itself. In addition to my extensive experience in the courtroom, having tried more than 200 jury trials provides me with hands-on experience. In 27 years of practice, I have also handled numerous civil matters that would assist in any civil cases that may come before me.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Gilman: I started and grew an all-female law firm to become one of the leading predominantly female firms based in Fort Lauderdale. I inspired and set the example for many other females to open up there own firms and work for themselves. I also tried more than 200 jury trials ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree murder, which has given me extensive knowledge in a courtroom. On a personal level, I am a working single mother who has fostered children in the past. I have reunited numerous families and assisted in abused and neglected children who cannot reunite with their family in having a safe and forever home.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Gilman: I believe that a successful term for me is one that improves the length of time it can take for someone to receive their day in court, whether it is civil, criminal or family. It is not uncommon for people to have to wait months, even years, to get an opportunity to appear in front of the Judge due to the backlog of cases facing the courts. It would be one of my top priorities to insist that when both parties are represented by counsel that they communicate and do everything possible to resolve all motions, discrepancies and to attempt to reach an amicable agreement. In addition, I would require counsel to adhere to all time restrictions on motion docket and to conclude in the time allotted for the specific hearing. I would also assure that I am prepared for all hearings prior to court being in session and ask counsel to provide appropriate case law and memorandums prior to the scheduled hearing. In addition I would focus on trying to make a difference in our community and try whenever possible to guide people down a better path and provide whatever resources are available to help them.

What is the most important issue facing the Broward County courts at the moment?

Gilman: I believe that the court system is lacking resources for the community to receive the help they need. It is both mental health and drug addiction that are impacting our community everyday, and we need to put proper resources in place to deal with and recognize both of these issues.

Jackie Powell

Powell is a solo practitioner at the Law Offices of Jackie Powell & Associates. Before starting her own practice, she worked for a large civil firm representing major creditors and lenders throughout Florida. Powell began her law career 25 years ago as a legal assistant with the law firm of Gold & Heyer, which later became Heyer and Associates. On graduating law school, she worked as an assistant public defender for approximately eight years.

Why do you want to be a county court judge?

Powell: County court is often referred to as the people's court. Here, most people are pro se litigants. I believe this will be a great opportunity to educate. From experience, I also know that much patience is required, and I believe I can bring that to the county court.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Powell: I have had the opportunity to see the law from many sides. As a paralegal for almost 10 years, I got to see the law from the sidelines. As an attorney for 15 years, I have practiced in both criminal and civil law, handling more than 200 trials, both jury and bench trials. This gives me a well-rounded legal experience for this position.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Powell: There have been many achievements in my life and I am not sure if one can be said to be bigger than the other. However, if I have to choose one, I would say graduating from law school. At the time I enrolled in law school, my family consisted of two minor children. Looking back, one could say I was crazy, but I went to school full time, worked part time and still found time to spend quality time with my children and husband.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Powell: A successful term would be one where all persons who came before me would say I was patient, treated them with respect and gave every one equal opportunity to present their case.

What is the most important issue facing the Broward County courts at the moment?

Powell: The biggest issue right now is the credibility of the bench. We have had a number of judges in the negative limelight recently. We need to change that as soon as possible.

John “Jack” Phillips 

Phillips has been practicing in Florida, New York and New Jersey since 1982. His practice focuses on civil litigation, including foreclosure and creditor's rights litigation, personal injury, corporate, health care-related matters, business, real estate, construction litigation, probate, guardianship, divorce and malpractice matters.