JUDICIAL PROFILE CORNER
Judicial Profile : Judge Laura Laurie
LAURA J . STARR
It was her father , a Major in the Marine Corp . that instilled in her public service and professional career goals , urging her to be self-supporting and not rely on others .
Judge Laurie was born in Bellville , Texas but was raised in Arcadia , Florida where her family owned and operated a citrus grove . She has a brother who serves as a police officer and a sister who is a practicing dentist . During her JNC interview , Judge Laurie told the commissioners that she is well accustomed to hard work and had numerous jobs during her lifetime including “ digging ditches .” Even while at college , Judge Laurie continued to help on her family ’ s farm . In her youth , Judge Laurie wanted to become a veterinarian , however she soon learned that she was not keen on biology . She then decided to pursue her bachelor ’ s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University in business management as it would provide her with a well-rounded curriculum , which would always be useful in any career she pursued . During college , Judge Laurie worked for a criminal defense attorney which she found intriguing . With the encouragement of her father , Judge Laurie went on to pursue a legal education at Nova Southeastern University School of Law . During law school , Judge Laurie interned with the State Attorney ’ s office and upon graduation , continued there where she rose to Chief of Traffic Homicide and Chief of the Felony Trial Unit before ascending to the bench .
As a practicing lawyer , Judge Laurie frequently appeared in front of Judge Joseph Marx . She admired Judge Marx ’ demeanor and felt she would like to emulate his judicial qualities if one day , she became a judge . She considered Judge Marx to be patient , humble , and respected for the way he ran his courtroom . Judge Laurie had trouble naming only one judge who she admired because she considers our circuit to have so many great judges , many of whom have lent her a helping hand in her new judicial role .
Judge Laurie encourages practitioners who come before her to treat one another with respect and professionalism , and to be well prepared when entering the courtroom . She appreciates receiving case law in advance of hearings , which she diligently reviews , along with any memorandum submitted . Judge Laurie does not take kindly to unprofessionalism in the courtroom including lawyers bickering with one another , cutting each other off , and talking over each other or herself . She would like to be thought of as humble , unpretentious and someone who has worked very hard for her achievements . Judge Laurie is respectful to all parties , well prepared , and organized . With a caseload of over 2000 cases , Judge Laurie greatly appreciates the case managers who assist her . After a full day of work at the courthouse , then tending to her family , Judge Laurie typically works another few hours every night to make sure she is fully prepared for each case that comes before her . While being a judge is a high pressure , demanding , time-consuming career , Judge Laurie enjoys the honor and privilege of serving her community .
Having spent her career in criminal court , the transition to her current position in the family and probate divisions have been a big adjustment but she enjoys the challenge of learning new areas of the law . She likes being able to help people reach a resolution especially in families where children are involved . It is important to Judge Laurie that people have access to the courts and know that she is listening and concerned . Judge Laurie looks forward to serving in other divisions in the future as well .
Judge Laurie and her husband are blessed with a young daughter and son . Judge Laurie ’ s children are mindful that her new judicial role requires a large time commitment which they are understanding and supportive of .
On behalf of the Judicial Relations Committee and Palm Beach County Bar Association , we welcome Judge Laura Laurie to the Bench and look forward to her dedicated service , commitment and contribution to the local bar and community at large in the 15th Judicial Circuit .
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PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 10