A Judicial Profile
by Mark A. Sylvester*
Judge Maxine Cohen Lando has served this community as a judge for 17 years. She was elected to the County Court in 1990, and was the first judge in Dade County to have a full time Domestic Violence Court. She participated extensively in the formation of the Domestic Violence Division which is specifically designed to handle these types of cases.
"Playing a role in the formation of the Domestic Violence Division, changing the system, and creating a division specifically devoted to such a serious and prevalent problem, is definitely a contribution that I'm glad I could make to the legal system," she said.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Judge Lando relocated to Miami, Florida with her family at the tender age of 5 months. Her parents were hardworking people who for many years operated a mom-and-pop store in the Liberty City area. Their work ethic and solid morals and values were instilled in their children.
"I was raised to appreciate the value of helping those, particularly those less fortunate. I think it played a large part in my desire to become a judge. As a judge, I felt I could make a difference in people's lives, help them resolve their issues and improve their lives," she said.
After graduating from Coral Gables High School in 1968, Judge Lando obtained her B.A. in just three years, graduating from the University of Michigan in 1971. She then went on to the University of Miami School of Law where she graduated in 1974. The judge began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in the 11th Circuit. During her 10-years with the public defender's office, she litigated extensively in criminal courts, both State and Federal, as well as the juvenile courts.
In 1985, Judge Lando entered private practice handling general litigation with a specialty in criminal defense.
"It was an interesting time to be a young female attorney in that field. There was a widespread feeling that women couldn't do criminal defense work, that we just weren't cut out for that type of work," she said. "I liked the challenge."
While she enjoyed the practice of law, her true passion was to serve from the bench. In 1990, the opportunity to run for a County Court seat presented itself, and Judge Lando seized upon it. In 1994, she ran for Circuit Court Judge and was elected. Over the last 13 years, she has served in the Criminal, Family, and General Jurisdiction Divisions of the Circuit Court. Currently, Judge Lando is assigned to the Family Court Division. The next rotation will be at the end of 2008.
Serving as a Judge is a career that Judge Lando is passionate about. She tries to share that passion with newly elected or appointed judges by serving as a mentor coordinator for the 11th Circuit. In that role she pairs new judges with more experienced mentors, and mentors new judges herself. In the past she has also taught as a faculty member at the Florida Judicial College for new judges as well as the Florida Advanced Judicial College.
"In addition to being able to help people, I love the intellectual challenges that come with being a Judge," she said. "It's not just about applying the law. As a Judge, when you're dealing with pro se litigants, families, and children, you have to not only use your brain, but your common sense, your life experiences, and your intuition to try to figure out the best way to handle certain issues."
While serving in the family, juvenile, and criminal courts, Judge Lando makes every attempt to help people through the process. In some instances, the court, and even the attorneys, forget that most people are not familiar with litigation. Judge Lando finds that many people are intimidated by the process. She does her best to alleviate their anxiety and help them understand the process.
"I really enjoy working with people. Trial work is probably my favorite part of serving as a Judge. I love the interaction with the juries, the pro se litigants, and yes, even the lawyers," she says with a wink.
One of her hopes is that the court system will receive more resources. Unfortunately, it is more wishful thinking than anything else. The State only budgets a limited amount of funds to the court system. Judge Lando sees problems particularly with the family and juvenile division.
"There are not enough counselors for the families or resources to help the children," she said. "We do what we can with the resources we have, but this is an ongoing problem. The State just doesn't prioritize its children. Unfortunately, its been that way since I started as a Public Defender in 1974."
Outside of the courtroom, Judge Lando enjoys spending time with her family, in particular her husband and her daughters Sari and Rachel. Sari is 21, and a junior at the University of Miami. Rachel is 24, and a student at Wellesley College with plans to attend graduate school. "My children are definitely my greatest accomplishment," she says with a smile.
In her spare time, the judge enjoys traveling, dancing, reading, skiing, horseback riding, and singing. In fact, if she had to choose a different career, she would like to study to be a Cantor.
"I love to sing. When I was young I took singing lessons. I've done some singing throughout the years, and I did some acting and singing when I was in high school, as well as some theater in college." In fact, Judge Lando sang with the Florida Philharmonic Chorus just a few years ago.
Judge Lando thinks it's important to try to learn something new everyday and to maintain a sense of humor and healthy perspective on your career and life. This she believes is especially important for all the hardworking judges and lawyers out there.
Mark A. Sylvester is a partner at the law firm of Leesfield & Partners, P.A. He specializes in representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
