Jean Marie Middleton: A Dedicated Public Servant Running for Palm Beach County Court Judge
Jean Marie Middleton is a prominent attorney with over 37 years of legal experience. Her distinguished career in public service, leadership, and law has earned her recognition across various sectors. As she runs for the Palm Beach County Court Judge, Group 2 seat, Middleton brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for improving the community she has dedicated her life to serving. This article will explore the details of Jean Marie Middleton’s career, background, and her vision as a judicial candidate.
Early Life and Education
Jean Marie Middleton’s path to becoming a judicial candidate began with a strong academic foundation. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees from Howard University School of Law, a prestigious institution located in Washington, D.C. While studying at Howard University, Middleton distinguished herself not only as a dedicated student but also as an active member of the university’s law community. She served as an Associate Editor for the Howard Law Journal, showcasing her commitment to legal scholarship and her ability to handle complex legal issues.
Middleton’s education equipped her with the legal knowledge and analytical skills that would prove invaluable throughout her career. Her education at Howard University gave her a unique perspective, and she carried these lessons with her throughout her years of public service.
A Career Built on Service
Jean Marie Middleton’s legal career has been defined by her dedication to public service. With a particular focus on labor and employment law, Middleton has been involved in many key legal matters across various organizations. Her experience spans several roles, including positions in both public and private sectors, allowing her to develop a diverse skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the law.
Palm Beach County School District
One of Middleton’s most significant roles has been her tenure at the Palm Beach County School District. As an Assistant General Counsel for the district, she has spent years representing the school system in various legal matters related to labor and employment law. During her time at the district, Middleton has become a trusted legal advisor, handling issues that directly impact educators, administrators, and students.
In her role, she has overseen many crucial litigation and human resources matters, ensuring that the school district adheres to the law while fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being of students and staff. Middleton’s work in this role has earned her a reputation for integrity and professionalism, both of which she intends to bring with her to the judicial bench.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Before joining the Palm Beach County School District, Middleton served as the Chief of Litigation at Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In this capacity, she handled a wide range of legal matters, including employment disputes, civil rights issues, and personal injury cases. Her work involved representing the district in state and federal courts, as well as administrative venues, where she successfully litigated cases and managed complex legal challenges.
Middleton’s leadership in this role further honed her legal expertise and prepared her for the responsibilities she now seeks as a judge. She has a demonstrated track record of handling difficult cases with skill and professionalism, making her well-suited for the judiciary.
Mediator and Advocate
In addition to her roles in litigation, Jean Marie Middleton is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. This certification highlights her ability to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom, offering a more collaborative and constructive approach to legal challenges. Middleton has provided mediation services for over 15 years, helping individuals and organizations come to mutually beneficial agreements.
Her work as a mediator also speaks to her commitment to fairness and her ability to listen to all sides of an issue. This skill will undoubtedly serve her well as a judge, where impartiality and the ability to weigh all evidence and perspectives are crucial.
Community Service and Leadership
Beyond her work in the legal field, Jean Marie Middleton is deeply committed to her community. For over two decades, she has volunteered as a youth court judge, presiding over cases involving first-time juvenile offenders. This role has allowed her to interact with young people, helping to steer them away from further legal troubles while giving them a fair and compassionate hearing. Her dedication to youth and her focus on rehabilitation underscore her belief in second chances and restorative justice.
Additionally, Middleton has served on the board of Boys Town South Florida, an organization focused on supporting at-risk youth and families. Her involvement with Boys Town South Florida highlights her deep commitment to making a positive impact on the community and her willingness to serve beyond the confines of her legal career.
Running for Palm Beach County Court Judge
In 2024, Jean Marie Middleton decided to run for Palm Beach County Court Judge, Group 2. Her decision to pursue a judicial seat stems from her desire to continue her service to the community in a more impactful way. With her extensive legal background, leadership experience, and commitment to fairness, Middleton aims to bring her expertise to the bench and help improve the judicial process for the residents of Palm Beach County.
Vision for the Judiciary
As a candidate for judge, Middleton envisions a courtroom that is fair, impartial, and accessible to all. She aims to uphold the rule of law while ensuring that everyone who enters her courtroom is treated with respect and dignity. Her background as a mediator and trial lawyer has prepared her to handle a wide range of cases, and her commitment to fairness and justice will guide her decisions from the bench.
Middleton also understands the importance of community involvement and seeks to engage with local residents to better understand their needs and concerns. She believes that a judge should not only be a legal expert but also a compassionate individual who is invested in the well-being of the community.
Jean Marie Middleton’s Political Party
While judicial races are nonpartisan, it’s important to note that Jean Marie Middleton’s candidacy is focused on her qualifications, experience, and vision for the future of Palm Beach County’s judiciary, rather than any particular political party affiliation. As a judge, her commitment is to the law and to the fair and impartial application of justice, irrespective of political ideologies. This approach ensures that her decisions are rooted in the law, not in party politics.
Conclusion
Jean Marie Middleton’s extensive experience in both litigation and public service, combined with her leadership and dedication to her community, make her an exceptional candidate for Palm Beach County Court Judge. With her strong legal background, commitment to fairness, and passion for public service, she is well-equipped to serve the residents of Palm Beach County and uphold the law with integrity. As a judge, Jean Marie Middleton promises to continue her lifelong commitment to justice, ensuring that all who come before her court are treated fairly and with respect.
