JUDICIAL CORNER
Upchurch Watson White & Max MEDIATION GROUP
JUDICIAL CORNER
Judicial Profile : Judge Lauren Burke
KALINTHIA DILLARD
Judge Burke ’ s parents-- both educators-- taught her the importance of giving back to this community . Her parents modeled the Golden Rule in their personal and private lives and instilled in her and her two sisters a commitment to making a difference in the world . Indeed , the three high-achieving siblings have continued the family legacy of public service , with both of her sisters holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U . S . Coast Guard ( equivalent to the rank of Major in the other Armed Services ) and Judge Burke working as a prosecutor and judge . The example set by her parents led Judge Burke to adopt the guiding principle of “ be civil and treat others with respect .”
Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Burke to the bench on April 14 , 2022 . Before being appointed , she attended Boston College and The Florida State University College of Law . Upon graduating in 2005 , Judge Burke commenced her legal career as an assistant state attorney in Palm Beach County . During her seventeenyear service with the state attorney ’ s office , Judge Burke spent five years with the Organized Crime Unit where she prosecuted serious criminal matters , including cases involving narcotics trafficking and racketeering , and seven years with the Homicide Unit . As a long-time prosecutor , she developed a reputation for being professional and wellprepared and learned the skills needed to be an effective judge . She currently oversees the Domestic Violence Division ( DV / TD ), where she presides over matters relating to repeat violence , stalking , violation of injunction cases , and criminal misdemeanor cases .
Judge Burke ’ s passion for her judicial position is profoundly evident to anyone who speaks to her about her profession . She values the role of judges in a fair and impartial judicial system and the perspective offered by female judges who
bring awareness to issues impacting women , mothers , and children . Her passion for her work is only surpassed by her devotion to her family and her faith . She enjoys a balanced life with her husband , a digital editor , and their active four and nine-year-old sons , who are avid basketball players and swimmers .
Kalinthia Dillard is the General Counsel of the Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General . She can be reached at kdillard1 @ pbc . gov .
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