Date and place of birth: 2/18/53
List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate for each the years of attendance, class standing and GPA.
Broward Community College July 1990 – 1994
The Union Institute & University 1992-1994
Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law School 1996-1999
PROFESSIONAL
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
5/1/01 – to present Rhoda Sokoloff, P.A.
As a lawyer, judge, or both, describe what types of cases you have typically handled. My practice handles family law, domestic violence, dependency and a small portion of civil cases.
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?
Probably approximately 100. These cases were bench trials.
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 nature of disposition.
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, or have you ever been the subject of an investigation by the Judicial Qualifications Commission? If so, provide details.
No
List three cases in which you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
Child abuse case – father’s rights were terminated
Domestic Violence case – there was a trial and the case was dismissed. The petitioner was caught in several lies and spent a weekend with the respondent at the same time as she was requesting protection. Many pictures were taken to disprove her allegations
Family law case – This was a long-term marriage. There were many assets and many assets were secretly taken out of the country. Very litigious case.
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
Former President and Vice President of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Former President of Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach
Former member of Dania Lions Club
Guardian ad Litem
Pro bono attorney for Legal Aid of Broward County
Certified State and County teacher for NAMI teaching an 8-week class to families who have family members who suffer from mental illness and drug addiction
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 election.
N/A
PUBLIC OFFICE
Why are you running for this office?
I believe that every citizen has the right to have a judge who is impartial and can administer justice fairly. A judge needs to not only be impartial, but have integrity, respect, the right temperament and demeanor, compassion, know the law and follow the law. Based on my life experience, community outreach and legal experience, I am the right candidate to be a Judge because I have all these attributes.
If you have chosen to run for judicial office against an incumbent, specify why you have chosen to do so.
N/A
If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
I have applied for appointment a few times; however, I was not chosen.
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
Based on my life experience, my legal experience and my community involvement, the voters should elect me. There is something to be said about life experience. Based on numerous trials and tribulations throughout my life, it has taught me what is needed on the bench from a Judge. There is something to be said about legal experience. I am AV rated, which is the highest rating an attorney can have in both legal ability and ethical standards. I am in court almost every single day. I have the experience of seeing both sides because of my legal experience. There is something to be said about community involvement. For the last 20 years, I have been knee deep in my community (Broward County) putting myself out as much as possible and am familiar with the different issues that a people go through. As to my opponents, they are both qualified. However, there is no room for politics at the courthouse or on the bench. In addition, experience comes from trying cases and dealing with the litigants.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
I went back to school at the age of 37 as a single parent of two boys. It took me nine years to complete my undergraduate and law school education. During that time, I underwent many trials and tribulations that truly affected who I am and what I want to accomplish. I have always wanted to be an attorney and then ultimately a Judge, which is the pinnacle of my career. Three years ago, I had the misfortune of cancer. I have overcome it and have been cancer free for 3 years. I still never lost the dream of becoming a Judge. I also have a disabled son and because of that, it has given me an understating what families go through.
What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
Inability to get hearings (backlog)
Covid
Turnover rate of public defenders and state attorneys.
