Anonymous User wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2024 11:52 am
It's been a few years since the last post—any thoughts on district judges in MDFL?
Jung - Probably the best actual lawyer on the court. Great guy with lots of crazy war stories. Highly respected in Tampa.
Badalamenti - Class act. Great environment in chambers and likes to mentor clerks. Prefers to hire clerks for staggered 2-year terms.
Mizelle - She seems to prefer hiring Fed Soc people, but if that's you, then go for it. Her former clerks really like her. She's invited them over to her house for dinner in the past.
Barber - Great guy, but he somehow has two long-term clerks, so you may not get much of an opening to apply. He's also very Catholic if that's your thing.
Chappell - Nice person, but the Fort Myers division is very "cliquey." Relies heavily on her career clerk.
Merryday - He's a taskmaster and a harsh critic. If you're okay with working long hours and receiving very blunt criticism, then you'll be okay. If not, you'll
really hate it.
Mendoza - I've heard mixed reviews. He seems to take a long time getting out orders.
Dalton - What I've heard is mostly positive, but your experience may vary. He has a "hail and farewell" party where the outgoing clerks meet the incoming clerks, which is kind of cool.
Howard - My sense is that she prefers hiring clerks who are female or from one of her alma maters (ideally both). If that's you, go for it. Regardless, her former clerks seem to like her.