F E A T U R E - B E Y O N D T H E R O B E I N T E R V I E W A u t h o r : M a r i s o l R u i z – F i s h e r P h i l l i p s L L P
beyondtherobe – JudgeJosephm . tompkins
“ despitethesechallenges , iremained determinedtopursuemypassionforserving mycommunityandupholdingtheruleoflaw .”
Born and raised in Tampa Bay , Judge Joseph Tompkins developed an early interest in tennis and piano , leading him to become a two-time state tennis champion and president of the Florida Federation of Music Clubs during his senior year of high school . Joe ’ s parents instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities available in America . His mother fled Cuba in 1961 , and his father descended from Daniel D . Tompkins , the Vice President of the United States under President James Monroe . Inspired by his family ’ s heritage of leadership and service , Joe decided to pursue a career in law .
While studying at Ave Maria University ( AMU ), Judge Tompkins captained the NAIA soccer team , wrote the university ’ s fight song , and met his future wife , Nicolette , with whom he now has 5 wonderful children . Between his sophomore and junior years of college , Judge Tompkins attended a fellowship in Washington , D . C . Not only was he the youngest accepted into the program , but he also won the fellowship ’ s debate and oratory award . At AMU , he took a constitutional law course that sparked his interest in pursuing law further and ultimately graduated with honors , receiving the school ’ s highest awards for leadership , community service , and academic excellence .
Before attending law school , Judge Tompkins worked in the family insurance business . He developed a considerable book of business , but just could not shake the feeling he should be doing something more — something greater . He wanted to promote the rule of law and advance the protection of our constitutional rights . He went to law school with a purpose of service in mind . It wasn ’ t about making big money , which he could have done in the insurance business , but rather about serving his community and country . Judge Tompkins chose a law school in Florida to keep his insurance book of business active and make income for his growing family . Ave Maria
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Judge Tompkins Investiture
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