DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott in November appointed private attorney James A. Edwards of Altamonte Springs to a seat on the 5th District Court of Appeal, filling a position that was created by the Florida Legislature earlier this year.
Gov. Scott said of the newest appointee to the appeals court on Nov. 14, “Throughout his career, Edwards has demonstrated an understanding and respect for the rule of law. I am certain he will preside with integrity and distinction on the Fifth District Court of Appeal.”
Gov. Scott said of the newest appointee to the appeals court on Nov. 14, “Throughout his career, Edwards has demonstrated an understanding and respect for the rule of law. I am certain he will preside with integrity and distinction on the Fifth District Court of Appeal.”
Edwards 60, has been a shareholder with Zimmerman, Kiser, Sutcliffe, PA, since 2011. He began his legal career as an attorney with Rumberger, Kirk and Caldwell, PA in 1979.
Over the course of his 35-year career, Edwards has engaged in a state-wide civil trial and appellate practice. Edwards served as chair of the Orange County Bar Association Professionalism Committee from 2010-2012. In 2006, he received the Florida Bar's "Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award." Edwards received his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his law degree from the University of Florida.
Edwards is the second judge appointed to the 5th DCA in 2014. On May 19, the governor filled a vacancy on the 5th DCA created by the retirement of Judge Jacqueline Griffin with the appointment of Brian D. Lambert to her former seat on the bench.
Before his appointment, Lambert served as a Marion County judge on the 5th Circuit Court. He was appointed to this court by then-Gov. Jeb Bush in February 2000. Lambert received his B.S. degree from Eastern Michigan University and his J.D. degree from the University of Florida. He was admitted to the bar in 1981.
Currently, only one judge on the 5th DCA is from Volusia County: Richard B. Orfinger, of Ormond Beach, formerly of the 7th judicial circuit, who was elevated to the 5th DCA in 2000. He served as the 5th DCA's chief judge, 2011-2013.
The 5th District Court of Appeal, located in Daytona Beach, hears cases covering the 5th, 7th, 9th and 18th circuit courts.
FAST FACTS: 5th DCA territory
Did You Know?
There was a political dispute in the Legislature as to whether to locate the new court headquarters in Orlando or Daytona Beach, but Volusia County's Legislative delegation won the fight. This was due to the strong influence of House Speaker Hyatt Brown, Sen. Edgar Dunn and Majority Leader Sam Bell.
Given the controversy surrounding the creation of the F5th District Court of Appeal, then Gov. Graham sought an advisory opinion from the Florida Supreme Court concerning the constitutionality of the new district. Three of the seven supreme court justices declined to join in the majority's opinion that the new court was constitutional or otherwise to render an opinion on the issue.
Four of the justices, however, rendered the advisory opinion, supra., advising Graham that "the omission of one recommended judicial circuit from the new appellate district is not a prohibited modification of the court's recommendation; however, the addition of one or more judicial circuits not included in the court's certification would be a prohibited modification."
Ground for a new courthouse was broken on July 24, 1981. The new courthouse was constructed for $5.3 million and the court left the Army Reserve building and moved into its new quarters on Oct. 19, 1982. The building is located at 300 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida. It was significantly enlarged in 2000-2001.
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