Incumbent Judge Christine Bandin and Coral Gables commercial litigator Shaun Spector will face off in the Aug. 18 primary election for a seat on the Miami-Dade County Court bench. Here's what the two Group 24 candidates say sets them apart. 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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Judge Christine Bandin

Bandin rose to the bench in 2018 and serves in the domestic violence division. She previously litigated insurance defense cases and is a former partner at Shutts & Bowen.

Why are you running for this position?

After 12 years as a lawyer here in Florida, I decided to apply with the Judicial Nominating Commission for a position as a county court judge. In 2018, I was privileged and fortunate enough to be appointed as a county court judge by then-Gov. Rick Scott. Since then, I have been serving my community as a judge in various capacities and numerous different assignments. I love my job and hope to continue to serve my community in a life of public service.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

As previously stated, I practiced law here in Florida for over 12 years and was a partner in a well-known and highly regarded law firm just before being appointed to the bench. During that time, I had the opportunity to learn and grow as a civil litigator, developing a strong foundation in such areas as civil procedure and trial practice. I appeared in court quite often and argued a variety of motions and legal issues. As a result, it was incumbent upon me to be diligent in my work and always prepared for court. Additionally, it was always my practice to have a good working relationship with my opposing counsel and treat them with fairness and respect. It is these experiences that have laid the groundwork and prepared me to become a county court judge. Every day I work to be diligent and prepared, and treat those who appear before me with fairness and respect.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

As a parent, I would have to say unequivocally that my daughter is my biggest personal achievement. Every day I try to instill in her the values that matter most, such as honesty, hard work and respect. Professionally speaking, of course, it would have to be when Gov. Scott appointed me as a county court judge. The appointment process is a long and arduous one which requires commitment to the process and to the rule of law. Similarly, I try to embody those same qualities of hard work, commitment and respect for the rule of law as a judge each and every day.

What would a successful term look like for you?

While I will respectfully defer to others on the meaning of "success," as there are many interpretations, I will say that for me, every day that I can go to work and serve the citizens of Miami-Dade County as a county court judge is a great day for me both personally and professionally. I am humbled by the opportunity afforded to me by Gov. Scott, and would be equally humbled and honored if given the opportunity by the citizens of Miami-Dade County to continue to serve as a county court judge.

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

While the judicial canons and rules of ethics prohibit me from speaking on current issues in the community, what I can say is that I work hard every day as a judge to be prepared, fair to all parties and respectful of the rule of law.

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Shaun Spector

Spector litigates commercial cases at the Law Offices of Shaun Spector in Coral Gables. He is former in-house counsel to a financing company and began his law career as an employment attorney.

Why are you running for this position?

I want to be a judge because it would afford me the opportunity to utilize my background and abilities to positively impact the residents of Miami-Dade County. I've been a civil litigator for my entire career. In that time, I have represented both plaintiffs and defendants, the wealthy and the indigent, and have been fortunate to practice as outside counsel, in-house counsel and as a small business owner. These experiences have given me a uniquely well-rounded perspective of the legal process and have highlighted correctable inefficiencies that often serve as insurmountable hurdles to many people and businesses who wish to access the courts. If elected, I plan to remedy some of those inefficiencies by utilizing a more contemporary perspective and approach, which will facilitate broader access to justice by driving down the cost of litigation.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

My legal background, work ethic and commitment to public service qualify me for this position. As I said, above, I have been a litigator for my entire career and had the opportunity to represent a wide array of clients in several different capacities. Those experiences have provided me with a well-rounded understanding of the legal process, its inefficiencies and issues that it poses to litigants from all walks of life. Those experiences have also reinforced the strong work ethic that was instilled in me at a young age. I began working when I was 14, worked full time during college and law school, and currently operate my own law firm, which is often a 24-hour-a-day job. I understand the tremendous amount of time and energy required to do this job well and welcome the opportunity to refocus my efforts on serving the citizens of Miami.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest professional achievement thus far is the establishment and successful operation of my own business. The decision to take the leap was not an easy one to make, but it is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A successful term would be one in which we could broaden access to the courts for all Miami-Dade residents through the increased use of technology in the judiciary. The goal would be to provide greater scheduling flexibility, which in turn, will facilitate faster case resolution, and decrease the overall costs associated with litigation.

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

From the standpoint of the judiciary, I think there are two major issues facing the Miami-Dade County at this time. The first, and most obvious, is the delay in many court operations because of COVID. The second is the growing weariness in various segments of the population of the government's ability to treat all of its residents equally. An independent, impartial judiciary has always been the keystone of our democracy, and now, more than ever, it is imperative that those who are afforded the privilege of sitting on the bench continue to demonstrate that all litigants will be treated fairly and equally under the law.

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