Governor Ron DeSantis announces four key judicial appointments, strengthening Florida’s legal system with experienced judges
Tallahassee, Florida – On a significant day for Florida’s judicial system, Governor Ron DeSantis made four key judicial appointments, filling important vacancies in both the Fourth District Court of Appeal and the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. These appointments come after the resignation and elevation of sitting judges and reflect DeSantis’ continued commitment to shaping the state’s judiciary with experienced legal professionals.
Shannon Shaw, a distinguished Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, has been appointed as a judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Shaw brings with her a wealth of experience, having served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2017. Prior to her tenure in federal service, Shaw worked as an associate at Hunton & Williams LLP, a prominent law firm, and gained significant insight into judicial processes as a law clerk for two distinguished U.S. District Court judges, the Honorable K. Michael Moore and the Honorable James King. Her impressive credentials also include a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a juris doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School. Shaw will fill the vacancy left by Judge Warner’s resignation.
The Governor also announced the appointment of Caroline Shepherd, a seasoned judge from Palm Beach Gardens, to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Shepherd has a strong background in both the county and circuit court systems. Serving as a Circuit Court Judge for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit since 2019, Shepherd has had an impactful career on the bench. Before her circuit court role, she served as a County Court Judge for Palm Beach County and worked as an Assistant State Attorney for the same district. Shepherd holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a juris doctor from New England School of Law. She will succeed Judge Damoorgian, filling his vacancy following his resignation.
In the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, two new judges were appointed, Richard Martin and Jeffrey Rich. Both appointments follow vacancies created by the elevation and resignation of previous judges. Richard Martin, based in Tampa, steps into a Circuit Court Judge role after serving as a County Court Judge in Hillsborough County since 2023. Martin’s career trajectory includes notable work as the Chief of Staff at the Florida Office of the Attorney General. His educational background features a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a juris doctor from Florida State University. He will fill the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Moe.
Jeffrey Rich, also from Tampa, has been appointed to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court as well. Rich has extensive legal experience, having worked as a County Court Judge in Hillsborough County since 2021. Prior to his appointment to the county court, Rich ran his own practice, The Law Office of Jeffrey M. Rich, where he handled a variety of legal matters. Rich earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. He will take over the judicial seat vacated by Judge Ward’s resignation.
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Each of these new appointees brings a diverse set of experiences and legal expertise to their respective courts. Governor DeSantis expressed his confidence in the appointments, stating that these judges would uphold the integrity of Florida’s legal system. As these newly appointed judges take their places, Florida’s judicial landscape continues to evolve, ensuring that experienced professionals are in place to serve and protect the rights of the people.
With these appointments, Governor DeSantis reinforces his commitment to maintaining a high standard of judicial excellence in Florida, ensuring that its courts continue to function with fairness, professionalism, and dedication to justice. These appointments mark a pivotal moment in the state’s judicial history, as each appointee brings their wealth of experience to the bench.
