Governor Rick Scott today announced his intent to appoint Judge Lester Bass to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Throughout his career, Judge Bass has demonstrated a commitment to his community and to public service. His service on the County Court has reflected the values we should expect from the judiciary: integrity, a tireless work ethic, respect for the rule of law, and an unwavering belief in equal justice under the law. I am confident that Judge Bass will continue to serve families in the Fourth Judicial Circuit with distinction.”
Gregory S. Redmon, Esq., President of the D.W. Perkins Bar Association, said, “On behalf of the Daniel Webster Perkins Bar Association, I applaud Governor Scott’s decision to appoint Judge Lester Bass to the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Judge Bass is a very high caliber gentleman of keen intellect, sterling character, uncompromising fairness, and unbounded concern for his fellow man. As he has been in the County Court, the Honorable Lester Bass will be an outstanding member of the Circuit Court. Congratulations Judge Bass!”
Bass, 55, of Jacksonville, has served as a County Judge for Duval County since 2014. He previously served for eleven years as a General Magistrate and Hearing Officer in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, and has also served as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State Attorney, and as an attorney with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
Bass received his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He will fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Robert M. Foster.
The Governor’s authority to appoint Judge Foster’s successor was affirmed today by the First District Court of Appeal in Scott v. Trotti, Case No. 1D18-2387 (July 26, 2018). Governor Scott intends to formally appoint Judge Bass to the Fourth Judicial Circuit when the First District’s decision becomes final.
