By Dessalines Ferdinand
MIAMI – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has elevated Haitian-American Judge Lody Jean to the Miami-Dade Circuit Court. This is an historic nomination by Gov. DeSantis, making Jean the first Haitian-American in the Miami-Dade County judicial system seated at the highest level. Jean takes over the seat of Judge John Schlesinger at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, who recently retired after 15 years at the post.
Lody Jean, a former Assistant State Attorney and Felony Division Chief in Miami-Dade County to the Miami-Dade County Court, first made history in 2018 when former Gov. Rick Scott appointed her to the Miami-Dade County Court to become the first Haitian-American woman appointed at that level.
“I’m honored and humbled,” Jean said during a conversation with LE FLORIDIEN, next day after her nomination became official.
“I wouldn’t get there without the support of the Haitian Community. I share the nomination with the entire community. I am happy just to continue serving. I love my job. I am grateful every day for my job. Every day that I get to put on that black robe, I just pinch myself,” she added.
During her year of service as judge in Miami-Dade County Court, Lody Jean served a large Haitian Community at North Miami-Dade Justice Center, in North Miami.
The nomination of Judge Lody Jean to the Miami-Dade County Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court has drawn praise from Haitian-American professionals in the judiciary system and community leaders.
“This is monumental for our community,” said Frendley Denis Julien, a lawyer serving North Miami Beach in Criminal Defense, Immigration and Personal Injury cases. “The fact Judge Lody Jean has to go through a vetting process before being appointed means that they are satisfied with her record of excellence and integrity. Anytime a personality from a minority community like ours is appointed or elected as a judge, it is a wonderful thing, but also a risk. That person becomes automatically an ambassador for the community. If he/she behaves well, this will have a positive impact on the community; in the opposite, his/her bad behavior will have a negative impact for the image of the community. In the case of Judge Lody Jean, there is no doubt she will represent proudly the Haitian community, because she is very competent and has always proven her professionalism throughout her long career.”
Kertch Conze, another Haitian lawyer based in South Florida, praised Desantis’ decision, saying “We are extremely proud to have Lody Jean promoted by Governor Desantis. She is extremely well qualified for the position. It is indeed an honor to have Lody as the first Haitian-American Circuit Court Judge in Miami-Dade County.”
Before her appointment to Miami-Dade County Court, Judge Jean served as a prosecutor for over 8 years with the State Attorney’s office, first as an Assistant State Attorney, and then as a Felony Division Chief. As a Deputy Chief, she prosecuted homicide cases and supervised Assistant State Attorneys. She then spent the next 6 years managing her own firm, with a focus on immigration, deportation and criminal defense matters.
Born and raised in Haiti to Lebanese parents, the Coral Gables resident attended college at the University of Miami where she double majored in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Foreign Languages and obtained her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University. During law school, she had been deeply involved in the Haitian community with various speaking engagements, volunteer activities, and active leadership positions with different local organizations. She worked with LSGMI on the Haitian Citizenship Project for individuals who needed assistance applying for naturalization.
Judge Jean is a past director of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, Miami Children’s Corporation and President of the Haitian Lawyers Association.
The entire Haitian community is proud of the accomplishments Judge Lody Jean has achieved. This historic appointment was earned through tireless effort on her part and she continues to be a beacon of hope throughout the entire South Florida Haitian community. Congratulations, Judge Lody Jean. Her dedication, perseverance, and integrity shine a bright light for younger generations who see the possibilities for their futures expand, thanks to trailblazers like her.
Dessalines Ferdinand