L-R: Paul Lopez, Levi Williams, and Valerie Barnhart. L-R: Paul Lopez, Levi Williams, and Valerie Barnhart. Courtesy photos.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed and reappointed 10 lawyers and one insurance agent on Monday to posts on South Florida's Judicial Nominating Commission, which is an independent advisory panel that recommends judicial candidates. DeSantis made 66 appointments in total for terms ending July 1, 2023.

Who's filling the South Florida spots?

Third DCA

Lilly Ann Sanchez, shareholder at the LS Law Firm in Miami, has previously served as JNC chairwoman for the Third DCA. She specializes in white-collar criminal law and is a former chairwoman of Fowler White Burnett's white-collar criminal defense group. Sanchez has more than 20 years' experience as a trial attorney and has served as a federal prosecutor. She obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and a law degree from Georgetown University.

Miami Akerman partner Daniel W. Schwartz represents public and private companies in corporate transactions, including mergers and transitions, and has served on the 11th Circuit JNC. He holds a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from Emory University.

Fourth DCA

Boca Raton lawyer Paul O. Lopez is director and chief operating officer for Tripp Scott, where he specializes in complex business litigation and labor and employment law. He's previously served on the Fourth DCA JNC, and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Stetson University.

Civil litigator Susan H. Aprill is a shareholder at Fowler White Burnett in Fort Lauderdale, where she focuses on business and employment disputes. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois-Urbana and a law degree from the University of Miami. Aprill has been practicing since 1982, and has served as a court-appointed receiver, arbitrator and mediator in various cases.

International business and superyacht lawyer Robert N. Allen Jr. is the founder of Robert Allen Law in Miami. Allen has more than 35 years of experience counseling nonprofit organizations director, officers and company managers on legal duties, liabilities and transactions. He received a bachelor's degree from New College of the University of South Florida and a law degree from University of Notre Dame.

15th Circuit

Sarah A. Cohen is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and co-founded Florida Advocates for Survivors of Human Trafficking, a free online network for Florida lawyers to connect and ask about representing survivors. Cohen has also served as a legal researcher for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C. She obtained a bachelor's degree from George Washington University and a law degree from Stetson University.

Robert H. Harvey of Jenks & Harvey in West Palm Beach specializes in securities litigation, representing major brokerage firms, financial institutions and investors. Harvey has previously served as chairman of the 15th Circuit JNC, and began his career as a judge advocate and special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Navy. He holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and a law degree from Southern Illinois University.

Nonlawyer Kelly V. Hagar owns Kelly V. Hagar Insurance Agency in Palm Beach Gardens, and holds a bachelor's degree from Florida State University.

17th Circuit

Davie attorney Valerie B. Barnhart is founder of Perera Barnhart, where she focuses on business litigation and employment law. Barnhart also lectures and writes about technology and cybersecurity, and serves as general counsel to Infiltration Labs, a digital forensics and cybersecurity company. She obtained a bachelor's and law degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Fort Lauderdale litigator Levi Williams owns the Law Offices of Levi Williams and has more than 20 years of experience representing international clients in contract negotiations, business acquisitions and alternative dispute matters. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a law degree from the University of Florida.

State and federal litigator Joseph Van de Bogart of Van de Bogart Law in Fort Lauderdale specializes in bankruptcy, business, construction and real estate law. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Florida International University

DeSantis also appointed Tallahassee lawyer Daniel E. Nordby and reappointed Tampa attorney Jeanne T. Tate to the Florida Supreme Court JNC.

The appointments come on the heels of DeSantis' firing of 18th Circuit JNC chairman Alan Landman, who was asked to step down over a rule violation. On his way out, Landman claimed DeSantis' office had encroached on the JNC's autonomy.

Related stories: Judicial Kingmakers: JNC Chair and Florida Governor's Office Lock Horns Over Judge Selection

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