The Daily Business Review's coverage of South Florida candidates in the August primary election features Q&As with candidates in judicial races across South Florida. This installment focuses on the race for Broward Circuit judge, Group 36.

Candidate Kristin Weisberg Padowitz participated in the Q&A. Her opponent—Shari Beth Africk-Olefson, lawyer, author, businesswoman and activist—did not respond to requests for answers. Here's what trial lawyer Padowitz had to say about what qualifies her for the judgeship. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Padowitz has been a criminal defense and prosecution attorney for 19 years. As an assistant state attorney to Broward County, she worked on felony trials, sex crimes and child abuse cases, and also served in the felony DUI trial unit. Padowitz has defended at least 35 juvenile nonjury trials and prosecuted more than 15 felony jury trials as lead attorney, some of which included capital sexual battery on a minor child 12 years old and younger, and lewd and lascivious conduct. Padowitz obtained her Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center.

Why do you want to be a circuit court judge?

Padowitz: I have spent my career as a trial lawyer in public service. Helping the public is a passion of mine and I feel I would be a huge asset to the bench because of my experience.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Padowitz: I have practiced both sides of criminal law being an assistant public defender, as well as an assistant state attorney. I have tried 75 jury trials to verdict and I am the only candidate in my race with courtroom and jury trial experience. I am currently the managing partner of a criminal defense and civil litigation law firm. Being well-rounded will make me a fair and just judge.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Padowitz: I feel my biggest achievement is being successful at working full time while raising a family. An even bigger achievement is doing all of that and running an above-board judicial campaign. I am proud to teach my kids that you have to work extremely hard to achieve your dreams.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Padowitz: A successful term would be one where I help the public in a personal way. Listening to what caused a person to end up in court is extremely important. I will be efficient while delving deep into each case. In addition, getting off the bench and educating the public about the judiciary is extremely important. I feel all of this would allow me to help the citizens of Broward County in a way they need it most.

What is the most important issue facing the Broward circuit court at the moment?

Padowitz: I believe in experience is an issue in our circuit. There has been a lot of turnover in our circuit and that has created a very young bench. Hands-on courtroom experience is so important when you are in a judicial position. I believe having practiced both sides of criminal law, as well as civil litigation and practicing in the courtroom on an almost daily basis for more than 19 years, makes me well rounded, and has given me the right experience to be efficient and help the citizens of Broward County in the best way possible.

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