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
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Law School is an institution focused on public service and preserving the rule of law , which rang true to the calling in Joe ’ s heart . He received a scholarship to pursue his law degree and graduated in the top 10 of his class . He had a Law Review article published , served on its board , and won the Mary Queen of Lawyers Award — the award given to the graduate the school would most want defending it in its greatest hour of need .
After graduating from Ave Maria Law School , Judge Tompkins faced numerous obstacles finding a job as an attorney , due to the biases and prejudices he encountered about the school he attended . He was told by some of the top law firms in America that he could not rise above the rank of staff attorney , due to where he attended law school . Despite these challenges , he remained determined to pursue his passion for serving his community and upholding the rule of law .
After passing the bar , Judge Tompkins worked for multiple judges who served as great role models , including Thomas Barber , Emmett Battles , and Elizabeth Rice . However , even in this position , Judge Tompkins encountered discrimination based on where he had gone to law school . Despite these setbacks , Judge Tompkins continued to work hard and prove himself as a skilled and dedicated attorney . His efforts eventually attracted the attention of a judge at the Second District Court of Appeal , who called him out of the blue about clerking for him . Judge Tompkins accepted the position and became the first law clerk from Ave Maria Law School to work for a judge at that level .
After his time clerking for Judge Douglas Wallace , Judge Tompkins was hired as a law clerk for the Honorable Nelly Khouzam , whom he worked for until he was hired as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Department of Justice in the Middle District of Florida . In this role , he prosecuted civil rights violations and defended the interests of the United States through all stages of civil litigation . Despite facing various doubts and biases throughout the hiring process , Judge Tompkins was ultimately successful in landing this position and
fulfilling his dream of protecting civil rights .
After three years working as an Assistant United States Attorney , Judge Tompkins ’ s exceptional work caught the attention of the legal community and he was appointed to the Hillsborough County Court bench in 2021 . He was assigned to the County Civil and Traffic divisions , where he thoroughly enjoys working with the people ’ s court and upholding the rule of law , striving to reach the right decision while upholding due process for those who appear before him . Judge Tompkins can relate to the people who appear before him , having faced similar economic hardships when he was starting his legal career . “ I ’ ve been there before . I know what it ’ s like to be stuck in a landlord-tenant dispute , while being down to your last couple hundred dollars and trying to provide for a family .” These experiences have led him to an understanding that surpasses his young age . He sincerely cares for those experiencing hardships , even if the law doesn ’ t end in their favor , speaking to them with compassion and respect .
Despite his impressive accomplishments , Judge Tompkins is a family man at heart . He and his wife Nicolette have raised five wonderful children together . His family is his motivation and his rock , providing him with unwavering support and encouragement in both his personal and professional endeavors . Overall , Judge Tompkins ’ s career has been marked by a deep commitment to public service and a passion for upholding the rule of law . Despite facing numerous challenges and biases , he has remained dedicated to his principles and has become a respected member of the legal community . His appointment to the Hillsborough County Court bench is a testament to his hard work and dedication , and he will no doubt continue to serve his community with distinction for many years to come . n
Author : Marisol Ruiz – Fisher Phillips LLP
J u l - A u g 2 0 2 3 | H C B A l A W Y E R
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