JUDICIAL CORNER
JUDICIAL CORNER
*
Judge April Bristow
MICHAEL H . KUGLER
Judge Bristow comes from humble beginnings , growing up in Homestead , Florida . Her father was a Navy veteran who was injured during his service and maintained odd jobs as a mechanic and electronics technician thereafter . Her mother was a homemaker who was very involved in their local church , and religion played a prominent role in shaping Judge Bristow ’ s morals and values . While her childhood was not one of wealth or opulence , she was surrounded by the love of her family . Judge Bristow looked up to her grandfather , a World War II amputee , who never shied away from hard work and was always present to provide assistance and guidance . Her grandfather was also a Baptist minister who often preached the concept of Agape Love , showing love to your fellow people , and service to others . These principles have driven Judge Bristow to where she is today .
Judge Bristow did not know any lawyers growing up , in fact , she did not know any professionals and had no model for higher education . But at the young age of 8 , she knew that she wanted to be a lawyer and had a natural curiosity for knowledge . Even at a young age , Judge Bristow ’ s immense intellect was apparent . Throughout grade school , she was blessed to have the guidance and support of a few educators who identified Judge Bristow ’ s talents and helped to foster and grow her intellectual gifts .
Her hard work paid off . Judge Bristow earned a Bright Futures Scholarship and early admission to the Honors Program at the University of Florida . But this was only the beginning . Judge Bristow graduated cum laude with a Bachelor ’ s degree in English . She was then welcomed to the Stetson University College of Law on an academic scholarship where she also graduated cum laude . But being at the top of her class was not enough for this intellectually curious future judge . She also earned the prestigious honors of serving as a Digest Writer for the Stetson Law Review , a student editor for the Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy , as a teaching fellow for the legal writing department , and acceptance into the school ’ s Honors Program .
Judge Bristow began her legal career in Tampa with the prestigious Carlton Fields law firm where she handled complex construction litigation . After three years in private practice , Judge Bristow ’ s desire to serve her community in the public sector led her to take a position as a career attorney at the Fourth District Court of Appeal , working with famed jurist Judge Dorian Damoorgian . In the nearly seven years she spent at the Fourth District , Judge Bristow learned the sacrifice and hard work that is required of jurists . This only increased her dedication to serving the people of Florida and Palm Beach County on the bench . In 2019 , Judge Bristow became General Counsel for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit . In her new role , Judge Bristow advised the Chief Judge , the Trial Court Administrator , and judicial officers . She also oversaw and managed the law clerks and multiple court programs .
In May 2021 , when longtime County Court Judge Sandra Bosso-Pardo announced her impending retirement , Judge Bristow had positioned herself well for a judicial appointment . Judge Bristow earned the backing and recommendations of almost all of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit bench , including Chief Judge Glenn Kelley . With an impeccable background , superior knowledge , and the well-earned support of the Fifteenth Circuit bench , Judge Bristow was a perfect choice for the position .
Judge Bristow took the bench in October of 2021 , and her commitment to fairness and justice quickly became evident to those in her courtroom . Anyone who has practiced in front of her will tell you that Judge Bristow is patient , approachable , and polite . She aims to model her judicial temperament after Palm Beach County judges who she admires ; Judge Joe Marx ( ret .) and Judge Daliah Weiss , individuals who are both empathic and decisive . But do not mistake her caring judicial temperament for weakness . Judge Bristow has the confidence , intellect , and fortitude of judges she also admires , such as Krista Marx ( ret .) and Caroline Shepherd .
Judge Bristow has a natural inclination to want to help people . Whether you are an attorney , plaintiff , defendant , or court personnel , you will find that Judge Bristow is open , caring , and always willing to help . She puts others before herself and always desires to give a helping hand . This can present a challenge sometimes in court as Judge Bristow recognizes that role as a judge is limited . Judge Bristow is mindful of her limited role and careful not to exceed the scope of her authority . As she will tell you , her goal is to always “ follow the law and , when afforded discretion , exercise it wisely .”
As Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court , John Roberts said : “ Judges and Justices are servants of the law , not the other way around . Judges are like umpires . Umpires don ’ t make the rules , they apply them . The role of an umpire and a judge is critical . They make sure everybody plays by the rules , but it is a limited role . Nobody ever went to a ball game to see the umpire .”
The citizens of Palm Beach County are lucky to have the service and dedication of Judge April Bristow . Her caring nature makes Judge Bristow an incredible asset to our bench . Unlike the umpires in Chief Justice Roberts quote , I recommend going to courtroom 9F to see this umpire apply the rules , you will be impressed . After all , her maiden name is Justus !
* Article continued from the front cover .