9th Circuit Judge, Group 39
Circuit court judges are elected in the General by voters and serve 6 year terms. At the end of each term they run for the seat again. If they run unopposed, they win the election automatically. If a vacancy is created between elections, they are appointed by the Governor.
Job Details
They oversee criminal and civil cases. This includes felonies, family law, civil cases above $30,000, probate, mental health, and some appeals.
Judicial candidates must be impartial. They are not allowed to run on a platform or declare a party affiliation.
Learn More About Circuit Court
Appointment Process
While circuit judges are meant to be elected, sometimes a vacancy is created from a judge leaving their position or a new position being created. There is a Judicial Nominating Commission for the each of the circuit courts. The Commission includes 9 members. 5 are directly appointed by the Governor. The other 4 are also appointed by the Governor, but from a list of 3 nominees provided by the Florida Bar. If the Governor doesn’t like the list, he can request a new one until he finds a nominee he likes.
General Information
The race for 9th Circuit Judge, Group 39 has two lawyers competing for the seat. There is no incumbent defending this seat.
- Video: Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board Interview with Both Candidates (28:14)
- Video: Group Forum, 9th Circuit Candidates, League of Women Voters Orange County Part I (53:10) and Part II (7:48)
- Video: Group Forum, 9th Circuit Candidates, Greater Orlando Asian Bar Association (1:44:26)
Vincent Falcone - Winner (62%)
★ Endorsed by the Orlando Sentinel
Campaign Website | YouTube | Bio on Law Firm's Website
Vincent Falcone is a partner in his current firm. He specializes in commercial litigation. He has also been involved in voting rights cases. In his civil practice he is required to quickly learn other areas of law. He believes he has the temperament to be a good judge. He says he would be humble, respectful, listen to both sides, and apply the law fairly. In his view, the biggest challenge for the public in the courtroom is equal access to justice. For civil cases, many people can't afford to hire a private attorney.
Additional Background
- Video and written Q&A: Candidate Vincent Falcone Interview for ESR Hob Nob | Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce (Video 16:27)
- Article Co-Author: Revisiting the Standard Attorneys' Fee and Cost Provision | The Florida Bar Journal | September/October 2011
Mark Van Valkenburgh
Campaign Website | Bio on Law Firm's Website
Mark Van Valkenburgh currently has his own private practice where he specializes in employment law and mediation. He also has experience in training new lawyers. He feels a responsibility to give back to the community. He believes he is a good candidate because of his broad experience in law and mediation and his history of service in the community. In his view, the biggest challenge for the public in the courtroom is the fear of the unknown. He believes a judge must put litigants at their ease by listening to them and educating about procedures.