Criminal defense attorney Marcia Giordano Hansen will take on incumbent Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz in the primary elections this August. Here's what the two Group 67 candidates say qualifies them to don the black robe. Responses have been edited for style and content.

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

|

Marcia Giordano Hansen

Hansen has practiced criminal defense at the Hansen Law Firm in Coral Gables for about 10 years, and is a former public defender.

Why are you running for this position?

From the moment I walked into a courtroom as an assistant public defender almost 20 years ago, I knew that the courtroom would be my second home. I immediately fell in love with the high-paced energy of criminal court. As I got older, I yearned to learn more, and went on to work at two nationally recognized civil firms, where I thrived off of writing intricate motions and arguing them before the judge, or deposing crucial witnesses who could make or break a case. As the owner of my own law firm, I discovered the sense of pride a solo practitioner feels each and every time I walked into the courtroom with a client who paid me and trusted me to represent them as their attorney.

While each role I have played has been different, and each case has been unique, the one thing that always remained steadfast is the importance of the judge in the case. A judge should have integrity, be neutral, prepared, courteous, knowledgeable and have sufficient experience as a practitioner to effectively promote justice. At this point in my career, I am confident that I possess these character traits and skill sets that our judicial system needs. I believe that I would make our community proud and I would be honored to serve the people of Miami as a judge.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

My experience is diversified and well rounded. I have been practicing since December 2000, and during these 19 years I have worked for the government as a public defender, defending indigents accused of crimes; an associate in two nationally recognized civil firms; and as the owner of my own firm. Coupled with the different roles I have held, I am also well versed in criminal law and civil litigation. This is important because a judge presides over civil and criminal matters and, if elected, I will not be learning criminal and civil procedure "on the job." I have been learning it for the past 20 years and I will come to the bench with this experience.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Aside from my children and my marriage, I am very proud of maintaining a successful and financially sound law firm for the past 10 years.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A term where I am respected by the legal community, and where each and every person who leaves my courtroom feels that they were heard, respected and understood.

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

I believe that the most important issue is how the judiciary is going to administer the backlog of trials due to the delays caused by COVID-19.

|

Judge Mavel Ruiz

Ruiz was elected to the bench in 2014, after serving at the Office of Regional Conflict Counsel, and is a former public defender.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for reelection because I believe that I am the kind of judge that people want to appear before. I am on time, respectful to all, I listen and I rule according to the law.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Nineteen years' trial and litigation experience, aside from life experience. I've had 50 jury trials as an attorney, countless bench trials and hearings, 29 civil jury trials as a judge, including a tobacco case, in 26 months. I am also fair, patient and just.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

In life, my greatest achievement is being a mother to my daughter. Nothing comes close. Professionally, it's becoming a judge and being able to work with children in the juvenile division. Being able to intervene in a child's life, to make it better, is the greatest gift being a judge has given me.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A successful term would involve many trials and hearings, and helping the citizens of Miami-Dade County resolve their cases swiftly. I work long hours to ensure that litigants have access to the courts. I would continue to do so in a fair and respectful manner.

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

The impact of COVID-19 on our jury trial system. How to safely provide jury trials to which the litigants are entitled is of the highest priority. Having tried many cases, I know that the parties need to get into court as soon as possible in a safe manner for all involved.

Read more: