JUDICIAL PROFILE CORNER
Judicial Profile : Judge John Parnofiello
MICHAEL KUGLER
“ Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens .” - Plato
Raised in Boca Raton , John is a rare native to Palm Beach County . The son of an accountant and chief financial officer for a nationwide company and a homemaker , John always knew that he wanted to pursue justice on behalf of his fellow citizens . John saw his path of justice bringing him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation , fighting for justice in the heart of our country .
John attended the University of Florida for both his bachelor ’ s degree and his juris doctorate . From Gainesville , John returned to his hometown to begin his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County , where I had the pleasure of serving alongside him for almost eight ( 8 ) years . As a prosecutor , pursuing justice in the courtroom instead of the streets , John always exemplified professionalism , knowledge , confidence , and common sense . He has a thirst for legal knowledge that is both impressive and inspiring . John began his prosecutorial career prosecuting misdemeanor offense with the seasoned understanding of a far more experienced lawyer . He knew that successfully prosecuting these offenses required not only legal skills , but a sense of compassion and understanding for the human condition . But make no mistake , John was a tough prosecutor and a fierce advocate for the citizens on Palm Beach County .
Aside from a brief stint as an associate at Rosenthal Levy , John has spent his entire 15-year legal career as a prosecutor . Through four ( 4 ) different State Attorney administrations , John steadily rose through the ranks of the State Attorney ’ s Office , becoming chief of the Organized Crime Unit and subsequently reaching the pinnacle of that office , prosecuting homicide offenses . John prosecuted some of this county ’ s worst offenders , including multiple death penalty cases .
By the time the FBI came knocking on John ’ s door , he was so entrenched in the Palm Beach County justice system that even his former dream job could not divert his focus .
In classic John Parnofiello fashion , he was not nervous about his interview with the Governor . In fact , in preparation for the interview , while John did all of the traditional preparation of a JNC nominee , John also read the Governor ’ s book . There is no doubt in my mind that John secured his appointment with the Governor by ingratiating himself with a little humor followed by a demonstration of his superior legal knowledge and goals for justice .
In his short time on the county bench , John has committed himself to a swift resolution of the cases before him . He gives all litigants , especially those who represent themselves without counsel , ample time to make their arguments and convey their message to him . But more importantly , John takes the time to explain the law , his rulings , and his logic to the litigants . Like many of the renowned jurists before him , John recognizes that his courtroom is likely the first and sometimes only encounter people will have with the legal system . Therefore , he takes it as his obligation to make sure that citizens appearing before him understand the law and his rulings , even if the decision even if they disagree with his ruling .
If you have not yet introduced yourself to my friend John Parnofiello , I encourage you to do so . You will not be disappointed .
UPCOMING PBCBA CLE WEBINARS
Friday , April 9 , 2021 8:00 P . M . - 5:30 P . M . Live via Zoom & Remo *
2021 Bench Bar Conference
Thursday , April 15 , 2021 12:00 P . M . - 1:00 P . M . Live via Zoom
11 Habits of Successful Law Firms in the Digital Age
Tuesday , April 27 , 2021 11:00 A . M . - 6:00 P . M . Live Event at WPB Marriott Workers Comp Seminar : Trial Presentation and Other Issues in the COVID-19 Era
Wednesday , April 28 , 2021 5:30 P . M . - 8:00 P . M . Live via Zoom
Elder Law CLE Webinar
For more information , please visit : www . palmbeachbar . org / calendar
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 16