Meet the New Judges: Miami-Dade Prosecutor, Commercial Litigator Rise to County Court Bench
Meland, Russin & Budwick partner Zachary N. James and Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Silver are Miami-Dade County Court's newest judges.
June 05, 2019 at 05:09 PM
2 minute read
Zachary N. James, left, and Stephanie Silver, right. Courtesy photos.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis added two jurists to the Miami-Dade County Court bench Wednesday, appointing commercial litigator Zachary N. James and Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Silver to fill spots left by elevated judges Tanya Brinkley and Michelle Barakat.
Silver, 42, joined the State Attorney's Office in 2000 and most recently served as chief of its county court division. She has also served in the public corruption unit and the gang unit. Silver obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from Florida State University.
Silver said she was honored and humbled by the appointment.
“I'm thrilled to continue my public service as a county court judge,” she said. “I thank the governor for the confidence that he has placed in me.”
James, 39, has been with Miami firm Meland, Russin & Budwick since 2011, where he specializes in complex business litigation. He became a partner in 2016, has extensive experience with e-discovery and advising clients on document management practices, and has tried more than 30 jury trials.
James also served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of California, and a state prosecutor and trial lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security, where he specialized in protecting human rights violations. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of Miami.
James said he was humbled by DeSantis and the Judicial Nominating Commission's decision.
“I will work tirelessly in my position to uphold the law and to promote public trust and confidence in the judiciary and in me,” James said.
James' colleague, Michael S. Budwick, said his firm is excited, adding, ”While we will miss him, he will be an outstanding jurist and advance the interests of justice in our community.”
Related stories:
4 Women Sit on 3rd DCA for the First Time After Miami Judge, Prosecutor Rise to Bench
Miami Judge Rodolfo Ruiz II Breezes Through Senate Confirmation to Federal Bench
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