This installment of the Daily Business Review's coverage of South Florida's August judicial primary election features a Q&A with candidates for Broward County Court judge, Group 22. Here's what Fort Lauderdale attorneys Allison Gilman and Casey Mills had to say about what qualifies them for the bench. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Related story: 2020 South Florida Elections: Use this Voter Guide to Learn More About Candidates Running for Judge

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 Allison Gilman

Gilman is a criminal defense and family lawyer at Allison Gilman & Associates, and a former public defender. Originally from New York, Gilman has lived in Florida for more than 25 years. She was admitted to the bar in 1992 and holds a bachelor's degree in criminology from Florida State University and a law degree from St. Thomas University.

Why are you running for this position?

I strongly believe my 30-year career as a trial lawyer and a managing partner in a law firm has given me the experience needed to serve as a county court judge. I believe we need strong, experienced judges who are truly going to make a difference in our community. Unfortunately, a lot of our great judges are gone and we need judges who are not just looking for financial security but to actually make a difference in our community.

I am running for judge not because I have to, but because I want to. County court is our People's Court. It consists of mostly unrepresented citizens who are unaware of their rights or what options may be available to them. I pride myself on being able to reach people, through respect and actually listening to what they have to say. I want to go to work every day and know my job is to make our community better today, and every day. I am passionate about our community and I believe as a county court judge I can make a difference for years to come.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

I believe it is my 30 years of being a trial lawyer in both civil and criminal law. I have spent almost every day of my career in the Broward County Courthouse. I believe my time in the courtroom would allow me to run an efficient courtroom, manage a busy docket, work with lawyers from opposing sides and find a middle ground which still allows lawyers to do their job. My experience provides me with an understanding of the diversionary programs that are in place and knowing which ones work and don't work.

Handling more than 200 jury trials has taught me the importance of the judge's role in giving a fair trial to all parties. I have appeared before judges that treat all of those that come before them with respect and judges who treat people as if they are just a number on a docket. Having experienced that myself and watching what it does to citizens of our community has ingrained in me the importance of remembering, as a judge, you are a public servant and always treat others with respect.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement so far is being a foster mother. During my time as an attorney, I truly saw the need in our community for foster parents to step in when a child needed a safe place to live. After seeing this need, I decided to become a foster mother, and even though I lived alone and worked full time, I had a lot of love to share with a child in need. I became certified and started caring for kids in crisis. That experience over many years truly changed my life and I know I was able to actually make a difference in many children's lives.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A successful term for me would be knowing that people who come into my courtroom are not afraid to approach me or ask a question and that everyone makes informed decisions. Guiding people into diversion programs and getting their cases dismissed and actually giving people direction to correct whatever problem they may be facing. Providing timely hearings and being able to get those who do not have attorneys out of court without waiting for hours for their cases to be called. Reaching out to people in our community and providing an overview to them of what happens in court. Mentoring those that have an interest in the law but have not had the opportunity to learn about it. Primarily, what would be a success to me is making a difference in Broward County and being a positive role model for others, both in and out of the courtroom.

What is the most important issue facing your district at the moment?

The most important issue at this time is going to be a combination of the backlog of cases in our system and the difficulties a lot of our citizens are facing due to the current COVID pandemic. We are going to see a very large amount of citizens getting evicted, an increase in criminal activity, domestic violence, license suspensions and much more. It is going to be imperative that people are provided with assistance to get back on their feet and also the opportunity to be heard. Judges must be available to our citizens and be aware of the difficult times most people have faced during recent months. I am hopeful, with hard work by everyone, we will be able to provide each and every person with their day in court and a resolution that is positive for all parties involved.

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Casey Mills

Mills specializes in probate and trust litigation at the Law Office of Casey W. Mills, and is a former arbitrator and traffic court magistrate for Broward County. Mills is a Florida native and was admitted to the bar in 1984. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a law degree from Florida State University.

Why are you running for this position?

After practicing law in Broward County for almost four decades, I have gained invaluable experience which I can use to make a difference as a judge. County court is truly a "People's Court" and many individuals are not represented by counsel. I have represented clients from all walks of life in my private practice, and as a judge I will be compassionate, fair, respectful and courteous to everyone who appears before me.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

I have been preparing to run for this office my entire career. I was born and raised in Broward County and all three of my children were born in Broward County as well. I have practiced law for 36 years in Broward County and I have a broad range of experience, which includes real estate, landlord-tenant, bank transaction work, civil litigation, appellate work, wills, trusts, estates, guardianship and probate litigation.

I have tried cases all over the state of Florida in county court, circuit court and probate court. I have served as an arbitrator on many securities cases with the National Association of Securities Dealers Inc. I have also served as a traffic court magistrate in Broward County, presiding over hundreds of cases in the main courthouse and all three satellite courthouses as well. I have a AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbel, which is the highest anonymous rating by my peers and judiciary for both legal ability and ethical standards.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

One thing I am very proud of after practicing law for almost four decades in Broward County is that I have an excellent reputation among my peers and the judiciary.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A successful first term on the bench would be to earn the respect of my peers on the judiciary and to be known as a compassionate, fair, courteous and respectful judge.

What is the most important issue facing your district at the moment? 

Diversity of the judiciary is very important. The bench should be diverse in race, religion, ethnicity, as well as educational background and experience.

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