Name: Lauren Melissa Alperstein
Campaign website: www.laurenalperstein.com
Office sought: Broward County Circuit Court Judge, Group 9
List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate for each the years of attendance, class standing and GPA.
University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, Florida, JD and Certificate in Marital and Family Law, January 2006 – May 2008. (I do not recall my class standing and GPA and do not have that information readily available at this time.
University of Cape Town (Law School Study Abroad Program), Cape Town, South Africa, Summer 2007 (Class Standing and GPA N/A)
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., B.A. in Political Science & International Affairs; Concentration in Middle Eastern Studies and International Politics, August 2001 – May 2005 (I do not recall my class standing and GPA and do not have that information readily available at this time)
PROFESSIONAL
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, Hollywood, Florida, May 2008 – Present
As a lawyer, judge, or both, describe what types of cases you have typically handled.
I practice almost exclusively Marital and Family Law and primarily represent clients with complex family law issues. While the majority of family law cases settle, I am in court litigating various issues associated with my cases several times a week. These issues include, but are not limited to, discovery related matters, injunctions, timesharing, interim requests for financial relief such as spousal support, child support, equitable distribution, and attorney’s fees. As a trial attorney who specializes in family law, I have litigated a wide array of family law issues including, but not limited to, dissolution of marriage actions, domestic violence actions, timesharing issues, child support enforcement matters, modification (financial and timesharing) actions, and paternity actions. In addition, several of my cases intersect with other areas of the law including, but not limited to, corporate litigation, criminal matters, real estate transactions, and bankruptcy. I have also negotiated and prepared prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. From time to time, I am appointed by members of the Broward County Family Law Judiciary as a Guardian ad Litem in cases where there are allegations of child abuse and/or neglect and when children are unfortuantely put in the middle of their parents’ disputes. As a Guardian ad Litem, I am tasked with the responsibility of conducting an inquiry and making recommendations regarding the best interests of the children. Furthermore, I represent clients on a pro bono basis from Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Project and Broward Lawyers Care.
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?
In the past five years, I have tried and prepared to try approximately 20-30 cases. Given the nature of my practice, the cases were non-jury 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.
Yes. I have been named a party to a lawsuit on two occasions when the Firm (and the attorneys who worked on the matter) was sued by former clients over fee disputes. Jurisdiction: Eleventh Judicial Circuit (Miami-Dade County). Style: Mark S. Peoples vs. Boies, Schiller and Flexner, LLP and Lauren M. Alperstein, Case Number: 16-08461 CA 23. Nature of Lawsuit: Fee Dispute
Disposition: Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint was dismissed on November 3, 2017
Jurisdiction: Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (Broward County). Style: Sabrina Seureau vs. Boies Schiller Flexner and Charles Fox Miller and Theodore H. Uno and Lauren M. Alperstein, Case Number: 20-003494 (03). Nature of Lawsuit: Fee Dispute I am not permitted to disclose anything else pertaining to this matter.
Disposition: Agreed Order of Dismissal with Prejudice entered on February 28, 2022
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.
*Due to the sensitive nature of my practice and out of respect for my clients, I would request that this portion of the questionnaire not be published or redacted.
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
Community Experience
Family Law Section of the Florida Bar:
Executive Council Member, October 2015-Present
Legislation Committee Member June 2012 – June 2015, June 2017 – Present
Ad Hoc Parentage Committee, (Secretary), June 2017- June 2020
Ad Hoc Nomenclature Committee Member (Secretary), June 2016 – June 2020
Ad Hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member, June 2018 – Present
Founder and Co-Chair of Ad Hoc Solicitation Committee, June 2019 – June 2021
Broward County Bar Association:
Member, 2008 – Present
Women’s Committee Member, 2019-Present
Young Lawyers’ Section Board Member, 2012-2015
Co-Chair of Family Law Section, 2013-2015
Jewish Federation of Broward County:
Executive Board Member 2016 – Present
Women’s Philanthropy Board Member 2015 – Present
Chair, Jewish Community Relations Council, 2016 – 2021
Attorney’s Division, Member 2015 – Present
David Posnack Jewish Community Center:
Board Member 2017 – Present
Board Secretary 2020 – 2022
Co-Chair of Preschool Renovation Campaign 2019-Present
B’nai B’rith Justice Unit #5207, Member 2019-Present
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center Transformer 2021 – Present
Children’s Literacy Initiative, Advisory Board Member 2020-Present
Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Hollywood Class 43
HONORS
* Super Lawyers, Rising Star in Marital & Family Law: 2015 – Present
* AV Preeminent Rated
* Broward Lawyers Care, Lawyer of the Month: January 2016
* Broward Lawyers Care Law Day Award Recipient, 2017
* Broward County Legal Aid / Coast to Coast Legal Services Attorney of the Year, 2021
* David Posnack Jewish Community Center, Reva Wexler Leadership Award: June 2019
David Posnack Jewish Community Center, Evelyn & Otto Steiber Leadership Award, June 2021
* Jewish Federation of Broward County, Shirley Gleich Horizons Alumni Award, June 2014
* Jewish Federation of Broward County, Joan and Douglas Gross Community Service Award, June 2016
* Jewish Federation of Broward County, Jack & Lilyan Mandel Human Resource Award, June 2018
* Jewish Family Services, Esther Lowenthal Award for Community Service, May 2020
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 am running to become a judge to champion justice for all, ensure faith in our judiciary, and that everyone is treated fairly, equally, respectfully, and compassionately in our courtrooms. My passion for the law and love of public service comes from my background. I was raised in a family that includes public school teachers, attorneys who defended the underdog, and active community leaders. My family instilled in me the values of fairness, compassion, and giving back, which is why I have dedicated my legal career to promoting justice and pro bono work of giving a voice in the courtroom to those who would not otherwise have a voice. As a family law attorney with Boies Schiller Flexner, I have had the opportunity to learn and practice at the highest level for approximately 14 years. I have helped my clients navigate their way through contentious divorces and difficult child custody cases with care and compassion with a full regard for what is equitable under the law and in the best interests of the child(ren). I have served as a court appointed guardian ad litem representing the interests and needs of children, including heartbreaking cases of child abuse. I undertake these cases with little compensation or pro bono. Each year, I also represent many people at no charge (pro bono), who have experienced hardships and do not have the means to pay an attorney but need legal aid. Last year, I was honored by Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast to Coast Legal Services as the Attorney of the Year. It was in recognition “as an invaluable partner and supporter of Legal Aid programs in Broward, helping provide access to legal assistance for some of the most disadvantaged members of the community.”
I believe that practicing law at the highest standards, my public service commitments as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem, my pro bono work with Legal Aid, and my significant community involvement and leadership have given me the broad experience and the deep understanding and commitment that will make me a fair and well prepared judge who will treat all people equally and with respect.
If you have chosen to run for judicial office against an incumbent, specify why you have chosen to do so.
Becoming a judge has always been my professional goal. I have been preparing to become a great judge. I developed strong legal skills working with outstanding lawyers in a top firm. I became very involved in the legal and broad community and undertook many leadership roles. I have lived my life with integrity, treating all people with respect and equality, and following the rules of professional conduct. Many people knew of my desire and qualifications to be a judge. At the time I decided to file, there were no open seats. In addition, I was asked by a large number of attorneys who have practiced before my opponent, in both divisions she has served, to file for Group 9. They said that they did not believe she has the appropriate temperament to serve on the bench, deprives litigants of their Due Process rights, and lacks the respect, care and compassion that one requires to hold this position. Many who encouraged me to run for Group 9 or support me have recounted instances of her lack of following the Code of Judicial Conduct including campaigning in the courthouse. I have received support from a broad cross section of well-respected lawyers and people across Broward who know my reputation, my work ethic and character and believe that I am the better candidate to uphold the integrity of the office, restore faith in the judiciary, treat those that come before me with dignity and respect and perform the duties expected and required of a Judge.
If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
Yes – I have applied with the Seventeenth Judicial Nominating Committee on four occasions: July 5, 2018; July 16, 2018; January 2020; and May 2020. I interviewed three times, but did not make it out of committee. After my last interview in May 2020, I received positive feedback from the committee members, and was encouraged to run.
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
The fact that I was specifically asked to run in Group 9 and the tremendous support I have received from not only the lawyers and litigants who have appeared before my opponent, but from lawyers and community leaders who believe that I am the better candidate is one of the reasons the voters should elect me instead of my opponent. The Judicial Branch is one of our most important branches of government. It is integral that due process is exercised and that community has faith in our judiciary. If people lose faith in our judiciary, hope for justice is lost and our judicial system is undermined. I would ask that voters elect me instead of my opponent because I will work hard to make sure that I have a fair temperament, treat everyone with the kindness and respect they deserve, no matter the circ*mstances, and be fair. I will work hard to make sure the litigants and the lawyers have the opportunity to present their case and that they have the opportunity to be heard; I understand and respect the importance of Due Process. If elected, I will follow and abide by the Code of Judicial Conduct and uphold the integrity and independence of the Judiciary. I will also perform my duties as a Judge impartially and diligently I will work hard to make sure that the cases that come through are tried or resolved within an appropriate time frame. Being a lawyer was never a 9-5 job for me; becoming a judge will not be a 9-5 job either. Holding any public office is not a right; it is a privilege that one must hold and respect at the highest level. Being a public servant means that you work for the community and put the community’s needs before your own. One of the guiding principles that I live by and that my Husband and I are trying to instill in our children is making the world a better place. Becoming a judge is way to leave my mark in the community on a larger scale and help make our Judiciary better. I would ask the voters to voter for me instead of my opponent because I will uphold the integrity of the office and ensure that people’s faith in our Judiciary in Group 9 is restored.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
I am a proud second generation Floridian. While I grew up in Miami-Dade County, I am proud to call Broward County my home for the past 12 years where my Husband and I are raising our children. I am committed to the community; my passion is giving back to the community and those in need. I do not do the community work for the accolades and awards; I do it because I come from a family of doers and I was taught to “do”. I love the practice of law and feel so fortunate for the opportunities I have received by practicing marital and family law for approximately the past 14 years with Boies Schiller Flexner. My professional experience working on complex and high level cases while being mentored by experienced and well respected members of the Florida Bar (including a Past President of the Florida Bar) has been a blessing. I was taught how to do it right. My mentors emphasized how I conduct myself by treating others with respect is as important as the skills and competency in mastering this area of the law. Practicing at such a high level with such incredible mentorship has truly been an experience multiplier. It has provided me a greater depth and quality of experience than just the number of years I have been practicing. While experience does matter, I believe it’s the quality of the experience and not necessarily how long one has been practicing that makes the difference. However, I feel that I can do even more good as a Broward County Circuit Court Judge. It has been a professional goal of mine to pay back the community that has done so much for me and my family and serve the public as a judge. I want to make a difference in someone’s life. I have been able to do this as a family law practitioner and through my pro bono work, and volunteer work in the community. Seeing people who are in incredibly difficult circ*mstances and how difficult for them are things we take for granted and why it’s important for me to make sure that everyone feels respected and heard regardless of their position in life. In my career, I have represented people from all walks of life, from all types of backgrounds, and handled problems unique to each case. I have been on both sides of a case, from representing the Plaintiff (Petitioner) to the Defendant (Respondent) as well as being a party to an action as a Guardian Ad Litem determining what is in the best interests of the children. I have worked under intense pressure and stress while families left the fate of their timesharing with their children and the fate of their finances in my hands. No matter the case or the client, I give all of my clients the same attention, work ethic and respect they deserve. I am always prepared for Court. Through my experiences, I believe that I can make fair and balanced decisions and treat everyone who comes before me with respect, professionalism and dignity. I will take the skills I have developed as a lawyer and transpose them to the Bench. Specifically, I will be prepared for my daily docket and run an efficient and organized courtroom. I will not only treat those who come before me with respect, but also the people with whom I will work in the Courthouse. I will be able to undertake my duties as a Judge with compassion and understanding even toward those litigants I have to rule against. I believe it is important for our judicial system to give everyone an opportunity to be heard. Even the smallest of disputes is important to the litigants. Despite the fact that the majority of family law cases do settle, I have extensive trial experience and I am in court several times a week on all different matters, from discovery issues heard on Uniform Motion Calendar to substantive evidentiary hearings. Through my trial work, I understand the importance of docket management and believe that my experience as a trial lawyer will bring a fresh perspective on how to effectively manage the docket and move the cases along in an efficient manner. Judges are to follow the law rather than make the law; under no circ*mstances should Judges legislate from the bench. Judges serve the public best when they exercise humility and civility and focus on remaining faithful to the law. I believe I embody those attributes and, if elected, I am prepared to work hard to and uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
Making Justice Accessible
As our country adapts to a new normal, while still facing the daily challenges of living in a pandemic, it is important to remember that many communities are still struggling through the lasting effects of COVID-19. In Broward County alone, thousands of residents in our most vulnerable communities are facing eviction, bankruptcy, unemployment, and countless other legal challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Access to legal services for individuals in need is more than important than ever. We need to continue to protect our most vulnerable and make sure they have access to justice, even if justice has to come to where they are located.
Court Funding – Diversion & Therapeutic Programs & Additional Judges
I think the courts could use more funding to be able to provide additional services for the litigants. For example, in family court, the courts could benefit from in house and/reduced costs programs such as Parenting Coordinators, Guardian ad Litems, Social Investigator, and Drug Testing & Rehabilitation programs. Right now those services are typically done privately and extremely cost prohibitive. When I serve as a Guardian ad Litem and some of these services are recommend to help the families, the parties are usually unable to follow the recommendations because they are without the funds and resources to do so. In addition, in light of COVID-19, the criminal and civil divisions are backlogged since jury trials came to a halt. As life is returning to a new normal, the courts are struggling with the cases that were essentially put on hold and the influx of new case filings. As such, creating additional divisions would help the other judges manage their backlogged dockets.
Losing Faith in our Judicial System
I was asked to run because people want a judge who will work hard, come prepared and treat every person, regardless of status or background with respect. There have simply been too many, well publicized and not so well publicized, instances of behavior that has reflected poorly on the judiciary. I believe that respect for the judiciary is not something that can be demanded or commanded simply because of the position of power that you occupy as a judge…. it must be earned… every day and at every moment that you interact with the litigants who appear before you, their attorneys and the courthouse staff. People that support me see those qualities in me and have enthusiastically encouraged me to try and make a difference.
