By Michael Caruso
As David noted in a prior post, Judge Williams and I had the privilege of speaking at Magistrate Judge Augustin-Birch’s investiture last week. In addition to telling the audience what a wonderful person and lawyer the Judge is, we both noted the “firsts” she’s accomplished–the first judge of Haitian-American descent on our court and in the 11th Circuit and the first career public defender on our bench.
Because this is Women’s History Month, I wanted to note some (but not all) other relevant judge “firsts.”*
Chief Judge Altonaga–the first Cuban American woman federal judge in our country and the first woman Chief Judge in our district.
Judge Barkett–the first woman on the Florida Supreme Court.
Judge Cooke–the first African American woman in our district.
Judge Lagoa–the first Cuban American woman on the 11th Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and Third DCA.
Judge Maynard–the first African American woman Magistrate Judge in our district.
Judge Nesbitt–the first woman in our district.
Special mention to Judge Seitz–the first woman Florida Bar President.
But the Triple Crown belongs to Judge Susan Black of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals–Judge Black was the first woman to be a county court, circuit court, and federal judge in Florida. (Judge Black was also the first woman ASA in our state). Quite the accomplishments!
If you’re interested in reading more about women “trailblazers,” I highly recommend this ABA oral history series– https://www.americanbar.org/groups/senior_lawyers/women_trailblazers_project_listing
At this site, you’ll find fascinating interviews with Judges Barkett and Kravitch, Justice Quince, Janet Reno, and many others.
*I gathered this information from public sources; please let me know if incorrect.