Questionnaire: Lourdes Casanova, candidate for Palm Beach County Court Judge Group 2

Name: Lourdes Casanova
Date and place of birth: 10/27/1986 Miami, Florida
Office sought: County Court Judge, Group 2, Palm Beach County
Campaign website: www.CasanovaforJudge.com

List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate years of attendance.
⦁ University of Florida, Levin College of Law, Juris Doctor *cum laude* (2009 – 2012)
⦁ University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts *cum laude* (2005 – 2008)

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
⦁ Founding Attorney/CEO, Casanova Law, P.A.
⦁ Associate Attorney, Rivera Law Offices, P.A.
⦁ Associate Attorney, Gamba, Lombana & Herrera
⦁ Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney, 15th Judicial Circuit
⦁ Certified Legal Intern, Office of the State Attorney, 15th Judicial Circuit
⦁ Extern, Office of the Attorney General, Statewide Prosecution
⦁ Law Clerk, Law Office of David W. Spicer, P.A.

As a lawyer, judge, or both, describe what types of cases you have typically handled?
As founding attorney of Casanova Law, a Palm Beach County law firm, I provide representation in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Fish & Wildlife, Sealing & Expunging, Juvenile Court, Traffic Tickets, Civil Small Claims, and Immigration. I appear in County Court (known as “the people’s court”) weekly and have experience litigating in the county criminal, civil, and traffic divisions. I have represented clients from all walks of life in terms of socioeconomic status, language, legal status, race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion, and personal history.

Prior to founding my firm, I served as a prosecutor in Palm Beach County, serving our community by fighting for victims’ rights and seeking justice. During my time as an Assistant State Attorney, I managed 300-400 cases daily and appeared in court nearly every business day.

If you are an attorney, how many cases have you tried in the past five years? Of those cases, how many were tried before juries to verdicts and how many were tried before a judge?
I have litigated thousands of cases in the criminal, civil & traffic divisions. While most cases settle before they require a trial, I have conducted 27 Jury trials & 24 Non-Jury trials. In the last five years, as an attorney in private practice, I have had more opportunities to give back to our community through pro bono and volunteer work and to litigate cases I am passionate about; many of these cases have been collaborative in nature and have not required a trial. My most recent trial was in 2021 at the U.S. Department of Justice, where I successfully obtained legal status for a client who was facing deportation. In 2019, I served as co-counsel in a County Court Jury Trial and achieved a successful outcome for the client.

If you are a judge, how many jury trials have you presided over that resulted in verdicts and judgments?
N/A

Have you been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details, including case style, jurisdiction and details of disposition.
NO

Have you been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including adjudications of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates of conviction and terms of sentence.
NO

Have you ever been disciplined by the Florida Supreme Court as a result of a recommendation by the Florida Bar? If so, provide details.
NO

List three cases in which you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
⦁ Asylum trial for Domestic Violence survivor
⦁ Facts: Client fled her home country with her minor child out of fear for her life. Client was repeatedly abused by her husband and had documented instances of physical injury. On one occasion, the abuse resulted in a hospital visit for a head injury. Client was even abused during her pregnancy with her second child, to the point that the baby was born with defects and died within a few days. Her husband repeatedly told her he would kill her and take their daughter away. Client sought Asylum in the USA.
⦁ Nature of Participation & Legal Issues: I represented client in her asylum claim during removal proceedings in immigration court. The vast majority of asylum cases are denied due to the difficulty of proving a well-founded fear of future persecution on the basis of one of five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The law does not specifically recognize domestic violence as a basis for asylum. Therefore, I argued that client’s experience constituted gender-based persecution that was part of a pervading problem in her home country; as such, she belonged to the “social group” of married women in that country who were unable to leave a domestic relationship. Ultimately, I was able to make a successful claim for asylum for my client and her minor child at the immigration trial.
⦁ Significance: This case is significant not only because of the difficulty and intricacy of the legal arguments, but also because of the life-changing impact it had on my client. This case was a matter of life and death. I still recall my client breaking down into tears after the Court’s ruling. This was also my first immigration trial and one of my first cases as a solo practitioner. I demonstrated the ability to learn a new area of law, new rules of procedure, and new concepts – qualities that are necessary to run an efficient and effective courtroom as Judge.

⦁ DUI case involving client incompetency and mental health evaluations
⦁ Facts: Client was charged with DUI. Client had significant mental health issues that could have been confused with signs of impairment by substances.
⦁ Nature of Participation & Legal Issues: I represented client from the outset of the case until its conclusion. After meaningful interaction with the client, I suspected she was not competent to stand trial. I filed a Motion for Competency Evaluation. Client was evaluated for competency by two different expert psychologists. Both psychologists found my client not competent. I attended numerous court hearings and both competency evaluations. Ultimately, the State dropped the charge.
⦁ Significance: I helped a special needs client achieve a successful outcome through courtesy, patience, compassion, respect, and effective communication – qualities that are necessary to run a courtroom with fairness and integrity.

⦁ Civil pro bono case for indigent client in nursing home
⦁ Facts: 89 year-old woman suffered a stroke that caused brain injury and was placed in a nursing home for end-of-life care. Due to physical and mental disabilities, she could not pay her outstanding bills.
⦁ Nature of Participation & Legal Issues: I represented client pro bono in Civil Small Claims Court and achieved a dismissal of her case.
⦁ Significance: I used my legal experience to help an ailing senior navigate the court system and provide her family peace at the end of her life. I view my legal career as a calling to serve our community. This dedication to service, in addition to my diversity of experience, makes me the most qualified candidate to serve on the County Court bench. Often known as “the people’s court,” County Court oversees various citizen disputes involving people from all walks of life. I am committed to fairness and equal justice under the law for all litigants, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, disability, or any other attribute.

If you have provided any significant pro bono legal services in the past 10 years, please provide details.
2018-2020: Americans for Immigrant Justice, Volunteer Attorney – Conducted consultations at Immigration Legal Screening Clinics
08/19/2017 and 2019: El Sol Immigrant Resource Center – Immigration Consultations
12/12/2015: Citizenship Clinic, Palm Beach State College, Volunteer
In addition to the above, I have represented indigent clients in Civil Small Claims cases.
I have also conducted “Know Your Rights” presentations at El Sol Immigrant Resource Center and Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce.

List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
⦁ The Florida Bar (2012-Present)
⦁ Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association (2016–Present)
⦁ Immediate Past President (2024)
⦁ President (2023)
⦁ President Elect (2022)
⦁ Corresponding Secretary; social media committee (2021)
⦁ Board member at large; pro bono committee (2020)
⦁ Palm Beach County Bar Association (2020-Present)
⦁ Co-Chair, Immigration Session, Bench Bar Conference (2021-2022)
⦁ Young Lawyers Section
⦁ Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Assn. (2022-Present)
⦁ Florida Assn. for Women Lawyers, Palm Beach Chapter (2021-Present)
⦁ Florida Bar Leadership Academy, Fellow (2022-2023)
⦁ Committee to Oversee Events Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida (2023–2024)
⦁ Committee for President’s Pro Bono Award for the 15th Judicial Cir. (2023)
⦁ Women’s Foundation of Florida, Women on the Run Alumni Planning Committee (2022)
⦁ Business Network International (BNI), Power Partners Chapter (2016-2020)
⦁ President (2019-2020)
⦁ Vice President (2018-2019)
⦁ Membership Committee (2017-2018)
⦁ Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2015–Present)
⦁ Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2015-Present)
⦁ Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee (2022-Present)
⦁ Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce (2016-Present)
⦁ Special Olympics South Florida, Volunteer (2019, 2021-Present)
⦁ Latinos in Action, Volunteer (2020-Present)
⦁ The United Way of Palm Beach County
⦁ Campaign Cabinet: Influencer (2022-2023)
⦁ Americans for Immigrant Justice, Volunteer Attorney (2018-2020)
⦁ El Sol Immigrant Resource Center, Volunteer Attorney (2017 and 2019)
⦁ Citizenship Clinic, Palm Beach State College, Volunteer (2015)
⦁ The Hispanic Vote of Palm Beach County
⦁ Board Member (2022 – 2024)
⦁ Portuguese American Cultural Society (2016-2018)
⦁ Gainesville Pet Rescue, Foster Mom for Homeless Dogs (2008)

If you are or were an officer or director or engaged in management of any business enterprise other than a law practice, list its name and business activity, your duties and whether you intend to resign upon your election.
N/A

Why are you running for this office?
I am running for County Court Judge because I have the legal experience, judgment, and integrity necessary to serve our community effectively. Over the past decade, I have litigated in the criminal, civil, and traffic divisions within our County Court system. My extensive courtroom experience, coupled with my commitment to community service and personal dedication, make me uniquely qualified and prepared for this role.

As the daughter of immigrants who came to the USA in search of freedom, I have a profound appreciation for the constitutional principles of due process, separation of powers, and access to courts and understand the court’s role in preserving liberty through these constitutional principles.
It would be an honor to serve Palm Beach County in our judiciary.

If you have chosen to run for judicial office against an incumbent, specify why you have done so.
I am running for an open seat in Group 2 following Judge Ted Booras’ announcement of his retirement at the end of his term.

If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
I am honored to have been nominated by the 15th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) on four occasions (each time I have applied). I was nominated the following years: 2022-2023.

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I am the most prepared candidate to lead a courtroom, bringing a diverse range of experiences essential for a County Court Judge. As a former prosecutor, small business owner, and dedicated community volunteer, I have demonstrated my commitment to serving our community. I have been nominated four times by the JNC, reflecting my peers’ confidence in my ability to serve as a judge. My practice is primarily focused on county court, and I have experience litigating in the criminal, civil, and traffic divisions.

My proven track record is reinforced by endorsements from our first responders (Police Benevolent Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, IAFF); Women’s Issues NOW, an organization founded by the National Organization for Women; and over 200 legal and community leaders who serve on my election committee.

My professional and community work has been recognized by several organizations, including:
⦁ Super Lawyers, Rising Stars (2019-2024)
⦁ Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association, Member of the Year (2021)
⦁ The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 (2018)
⦁ American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 10 Best Female Attorneys for Client Satisfaction (2016)

Additionally, as Hispanics represent the fastest-growing population in Palm Beach County, it is crucial for our elected leaders to reflect the communities they serve. If elected, I would be the first Hispanic female elected by the voters to serve as a judge in Palm Beach County.

What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
Raised in Palm Beach County, I have dedicated my career to seeking justice and serving our community. My background as a litigation attorney, small-business owner, and former prosecutor brings a unique perspective and a commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity in our legal system.

Serving as the president of the Hispanic Bar Association and as a small-business owner has equipped me with executive leadership skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload. This experience ensures that I am ready to deliver justice while maintaining an efficient and effective courtroom.

As the daughter of immigrants who came to America seeking freedom, I have a profound appreciation for our constitutional principles of due process, separation of powers, and access to courts. My parents instilled in me a deep sense of duty to serve our community, inspiring me to uphold the principles of integrity, fairness, and justice in our legal system.

What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
Three major challenges facing the justice system in Palm Beach County, Florida and the U.S. are:
Diverse Legal Backgrounds: Judges should possess a diverse legal background to ensure they are ready to make efficient and effective decisions from day one, regardless of the division.
Preparation and Understanding: Judges must put in the work ahead of each court hearing to fully understand their caseloads and the procedural posture of each case.
Adapting to new technology: Judges should utilize new technology to ensure our judicial system continues to serve the people in the most efficient and effective way.