Broward County Court Judge Phoebee Francois. Broward County Court Judge Phoebee Rebecca Francois. Courtesy photo

Broward County Court Judge Phoebee Rebecca Francois is running for reelection in the August primaries. Here's why the jurist says she should keep her seat. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Her opponent in Group 27, Hollywood personal injury attorney Jacob Segal, did not provide answers by deadline. He has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney, and is a former public defender.

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

Judge Phoebee Rebecca Francois

Francois rose to the bench in 2018 and is a former general magistrate and hearing officer.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running to keep my seat as a county court judge because I want to continue to serve the people of Broward County. I have a diverse background and legal experience that allows me to bring a unique perspective to the bench. I am compassionate, fair and experienced, and I treat each litigant with dignity and respect. I am also patient, professional and ethical at all times, inside and outside of the courtroom. I hope to continue to enhance our Broward judiciary by presiding in a way that fosters trust and faith, as well as the prestige of our profession.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

My work ethic has taught me that hard work and perseverance is paramount to success on the bench. I have been a county court judge for two years, and I was a general magistrate and hearing officer for almost 10 years. During that time, I presided over more than 35,000 hearings. My position has provided me with an in-depth working knowledge of the court system, specifically in the areas of child support enforcement, family law-related issues, criminal law, traffic, condo foreclosures, civil law, landlord-tenant evictions and small claims. Notably, the cases over which I preside involve a great percentage of pro se litigants. I have utilized my bachelor's degree in psychology to enhance my ability to assess individual behavior in different circumstances. This has enabled me to develop the skills to be an objective, patient and keen listener. I have earned a reputation for being compassionate, fair and experienced. I treat each litigant with dignity and respect and I allow them to have an opportunity to be heard.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

I've had many small achievements throughout my career. However, my greatest achievement thus far has been my appointment as a county court judge. My position has allowed me to touch many lives and serve my community.

What would a successful term look like for you?

I became a judge because I want to serve the people of Broward County. Another successful term would give me the opportunity to continue to be a judge who understands my community and will continue to apply the law in a manner that is consistent with fairness and justice. My goal is to make sure that all litigants have their day in court in a fair and impartial way.

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

Besides the challenges we are currently facing due to COVID-19 and complying with social distancing, the biggest challenges the court system faces are in access to the courts, lack of funding and resources, and politicizing of the judiciary.

Read more:

She Persisted: It Took Judge Phoebee Francois More Than 15 Attempts to Rise to the Broward Bench

Battle for Broward Bench: Incumbent Judge Dale Cohen, Ex-Judge Ian Richards Seek Votes

Judge Patti Englander Henning and Kristin Weisberg Padowitz Campaign for Broward Circuit Court