Linda A. Alley of Kelley|Uustal in Fort Lauderdale and incumbent Judge Vegina "Gina" Hawkins are campaigning for Broward Circuit Judge, Group 50 in the Aug. 18 primary elections. Here's why they say they deserve a vote. 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

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Linda A. Alley

Alley is a member of Kelley|Uustal's tobacco litigation team and has more than 25 years of legal experience.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for circuit judge because I believe in seeking the truth, pursuing justice and serving our community. I have lived in Broward County nearly all my life; I have raised my children here; it is my home. If the citizens give me the opportunity to serve as a circuit court judge, I will work hard to ensure I am worthy of their confidence.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

I learned how the courtroom operates while handling complex litigation cases for many years. I learned how to listen to the evidence impartially and apply the rule of law. I worked with clients and their families, listened to their fears about the legal system and calmed their fears. I worked for AT&T for 15 years before entering the legal field and learned how to deal with large groups of people, to work in teams, to evaluate problems and find solutions. As a mother, I learned to settle disputes fairly and how to organize multiple schedules efficiently. I work hard, smart and effectively.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

The most obvious answer is that I am a proud mother of two children, Sarah Gresham, a prosecutor in Broward County, and Brad Keller, a teacher in Broward County. In the legal forum, I have had the opportunity to focus on complex litigation cases protecting the rights of individuals. In doing so, I successfully tried cases which allowed injured children access to the level of medical care they so desperately need in order to live as fulfilling a life as is possible for them.

What would a successful term look like for you?

I performed my duties with professionalism, impartiality, thoughtfulness and efficiency while respecting all parties and resolving numerous cases.

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

There are two major issues: reopening the courthouse to jury trials so that justice can move forward, and solving the problems of institutional racism in our community.

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Judge Vegina "Gina" Hawkins

Hawkins rose to the bench in 2018 and is a former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and civil litigator.

Why are you running for this position?

I am hopeful to retain the seat that I was appointed to in November 2018. I have a passion for serving my community, for the rule of law and the administration of fair justice for everyone. I am committed to maintaining a diverse, experienced judiciary that offers stability, competence and equality.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

I have a diverse background in both the public and private sectors. In the public arena, I have worked several years as a prosecutor and have handled cases ranging from misdemeanor offenses to homicides. In the private sector, I have worked for two different law firms handling foreclosure and property cases, and was also owner and operator as sole practitioner in my own firm handling family law, probate and contract cases. I am well-versed in the evidence code, I have a thorough knowledge of the law. Since being appointed to the bench, I have garnered experience in how to handle court dockets, how to manage court caseload and how to create a calm and professional courtroom where litigants, attorneys, staff and visitors feel comfortable in court.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement is being the mother of two successful young adult men and a growing teenager. I have taught my children the value of being assets to our society and not liabilities. Second only to being a mother was being appointed to the circuit court bench to serve as a judge.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A successful term would be one where I am present both physically and present in each moment that litigants need my attention as their judge. It is one where I strive to serve with patience and with excellence to encourage and empower litigants to play active roles in resolving issues that are before me. Success is being accessible, being attentive, being reliable, being timely and issuing timely rulings that give litigants resolution that will assist them in moving on past issues. Finally, it is the opportunity to remain connected to this same community outside of the courtroom, offering a helping hand or knowledge about court process and legal issues in more lighthearted, informal arenas.

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

The most important issues facing Broward County, and the world at large, are two: the fair and equal treatment of all its citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion. The other issue is how we resolve the issue surrounding the fair and timely administration of justice with regard to the safety hazards brought on by COVID-19.

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