How I Became a Judge with Chief Judge Mark W. Klingensmith

Discover how Chief Judge Mark W. Klingensmith transitioned from trial lawyer to appellate judge and the challenges faced on the bench.

Have you ever wondered how it feels to wear a judge’s robes and make decisions that impact lives? Or pondered the challenges faced by an appellate judge in aligning their decisions with the body of law without causing unintended consequences?

On this episode of Great Practice. Great Life.®, join Steve as he sits down for a riveting conversation with Chief Judge Mark W. Klingensmith, Chief Appellate Judge of the Sixth District Court of Appeal in Florida, and explore his fascinating career transition from a trial lawyer to a respected judge.

Step into Chief Judge Klingensmith’s shoes as he shares his career path and passion for litigation. He discusses the intellectual stimulation it offers, then recalls his first assignment, handling a high-profile murder case. There is also a reflection on the importance of good lawyers joining the judicial process. Our conversation covers the day-to-day responsibilities of a judge. We reveal how many cases judges typically handle in a week. We also discuss the additional work that happens outside of court.

As his story continues, we uncover the unique challenges of being an appellate judge. We explore their role in maintaining consistency with the law. The precision required in language to avoid unforeseen outcomes is emphasized. Chief Judge Klingensmith appreciates the role of a judge in the legal system. His understanding of lawyers’ lives offers a fresh perspective on the litigation process. He highlights the analytical skills needed for the job.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation with a seasoned judge. He offers valuable insights into the legal system and its stewards.



Inside This Episode

  • Chief Judge Mark W. Klingensmith’s journey from being a trial lawyer to becoming an appellate judge in the Sixth District Court of Appeal in Florida
  • Chief Judge Klingensmith’s complex considerations and meticulous work behind his day-to-day responsibilities as an appellate judge
  • The importance of precision in language to avoid unintended implications
  • An inside look into the litigation process from a judge’s perspective and the challenges and rewards of transitioning from private practice to the bench
  • The number of cases a judge typically handles in a week and the workload outside of court
  • The intellectual component of being an appellate judge and the need for decisions that are consistent with the body of law
  • Insights into a judge’s world and understanding the lives of lawyers to make the practice of law more accessible
  • Chief Judge Klingensmith’s commitment to public service and the importance of lifelong learning in his career

Supporting Resources

Steve Riley

Steve Riley

Shareholder, Practice Advisor, & Attorney Steve Riley has coached attorneys for more than 20 years. His one-on-one coaching focuses on a limited number of top producing attorneys committed to taking their practices to new levels of excellence, profit, and personal success. He also presents at group coaching workshops around the country for individual law firms, state bar associations, and other legal organizations. READ MY FULL BIO
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