Six Florida Judges Reappointed

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of six Judges of Compensation Claims:

Judge Eduardo Almeyda, 71, of Miami, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Miami District since 2013. He previously served as a mediator for the State of Florida, as an adjunct professor for Nova Southeastern University School of Law, and in private practice. Almeyda received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Florida State University.

Judge Robert Dietz, 59, of Sebastian, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Melbourne District since 2014, and also teaches at Barry University School of Law as an adjunct professor. He previously was in private practice and specialized in mediation and workers’ compensation. Dietz received his bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School.

Judge Iliana Forte, 52, of Miami, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Fort Lauderdale District since 2014. She previously worked for the City of Miami and was in private practice. Forte received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Miami.

Judge David Langham, 53, of Gulf Breeze, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Pensacola District since 2001, as has also served as Deputy Chief Judge of Compensation Claims since 2006. He is an adjunct instructor for Pensacola State College, and previously was in private practice. Langham received his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law.

Judge Neal Pitts, 63, of Orlando, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Orlando District since 2009, and previously was in private practice. Pitts received his bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College, master’s degree from the University of Florida, and law degree from Ohio Northern University.

Judge Margaret Sojourner, 64, of Orlando, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Orlando District since 2010, and previously was in private practice. Sojourner received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florid and her law degree from Stetson University College of Law.

Gainesville and Tallahassee Judges Named

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointments of Jacquelyn L. Newman and Timothy S. Stanton as Judges of Compensation Claims for the Tallahassee and Gainesville Districts.

Newman, 47, of Tallahassee, is an attorney with Pennington, P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Florida State University. Newman fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Lazarra in the Tallahassee District.

Stanton, 60, of Alachua, is a mediator with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and his law degree from the University of Florida. Stanton fills the vacancy in the Gainesville District.