I was fortunate enough to speak with Judge Patricia Fawsett, a senior judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and General Magistrate Linh Ison for Domestic Relations and Mental Health in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Orange County, Florida. First of all, I would like to thank Judge Fawsett and Magistrate Ison for taking the time to speak with me. These two very accomplished women shared with me their experiences and litigation tips for practitioners, especially women litigators.
Judge Fawsett received her J.D. from the University of Florida in 1973. From 1973 until 1986, she was in private practice at Akerman Senterfitt, focusing primarily on commercial litigation. She was nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and was confirmed by the Senate that same year. Judge Fawsett served as the chief judge for the Middle District from 2003 until 2008. In August 2008, she took senior status and still presides in the Middle District.