S P E C I A L F E A T U R E A u t h o r : M i c h a e l S . H o o k e r – P h e l p s D u n b a r L L P continued from page 22 Q
What else do you like to do to relax and decompress when you are away from the courthouse ?
A I take long walks and listen to podcasts or books — I ’ ve got to be learning something . And about twice a week , my daughter will come with me , and we will walk together and just talk about whatever . To me , the time with my wife and my daughter , that is my escape time . I am also a very , very committed Florida Gator football fan . And the one thing I enjoy the most right now from a parental standpoint is I am a “ band dad ” for my daughter ’ s marching band . I ’ ll have a tough day at work , get home , put on my sneakers and a band shirt that says “ Road Crew ” on it , and the next thing I know I am moving heavy percussion equipment to a football field . To me , that is fun . I blend in , and I don ’ t have to make any decisions !
A
The most rewarding thing is knowing that I have the opportunity every day to ensure that Constitutional rights are protected . Once the judiciary stops doing its job of protecting rights , our Republic falls apart . The reward comes from knowing you are there to afford someone an opportunity to be heard and ensure that their rights are being protected . I don ’ t want to be feared or catered to . I am here to serve the people . You don ’ t become a judge to make money . You become a judge because you recognize it ’ s not about you . You become a judge because you want to be an instrument in ensuring others ’ rights are protected . At bottom , it ’ s not about the judges ; it ’ s about the people , the Constitution , and our country . n
Q
Judge , last question , what do you find most rewarding about serving on the bench ?
Author : Michael S . Hooker – Phelps Dunbar LLP
M A R - A P R 2 0 2 1 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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