Early Life and Education
Stephen Brown was born and raised in Florida from the age of four. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of fairness and community involvement. As a child, he excelled academically and was deeply involved in community service, volunteering at his church, local nonprofit hospitals, and through Scouting programs. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in high school and continued mentoring younger Scouts throughout college.Stephen attended Florida State University (FSU), where he earned two bachelor’s degrees in four years: one with a double major in Political Science and Social Science, and another with a major in Environmental Studies. He worked full-time at night while attending classes during the day. After FSU, he attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he graduated cum laude. During law school, he participated in the Virgil Hawkins Family Law Clinic, served as a teaching assistant, and conducted independent studies on the reliability of child abuse victim testimonies.
Legal Career
Assistant State Attorney
After law school, Stephen was appointed Assistant State Attorney by State Attorney Lawson Lamar. During his four years at the State Attorney’s Office, he focused on trying tough cases and advocating for crime victims. He was responsible for closing thousands of cases, demonstrating his commitment to justice and efficiency.
Private Practice and Mediation
Following his tenure as an Assistant State Attorney, Stephen co-founded a law firm that has handled Family, Criminal, Juvenile, and Civil cases for the past 12 years. He has appeared in every division of the circuit court and has tried over 70 jury trials as the lead attorney. Stephen is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator in five subject matters, making him one of fewer than 50 mediators in the state with such qualifications.
Judicial Campaign
Stephen Brown is running for Circuit Judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which includes Orange and Osceola Counties. His campaign emphasizes experience, knowledge, diversity, fairness, and justice. He believes that every person should feel welcome and be treated with dignity at the courthouse, and he is committed to maintaining a judiciary free of political influence.
Positive Contributions and Achievements
Community Involvement
Stephen’s commitment to fairness and equality is evident in his extensive community involvement. He has volunteered thousands of hours in various capacities, including serving at his church and local nonprofit hospitals. His dedication to mentoring and community service has continued throughout his legal career.
Case Efficiency
Stephen has a proven track record of efficiently managing and closing cases. His experience as an Assistant State Attorney and in private practice has equipped him with the skills to handle a high volume of cases effectively. This is in stark contrast to Judge Craig McCarthy, who has been criticized for taking Fridays off, exacerbating the backlog of cases.
Notable Cases
Stephen has been involved in several high-profile cases that highlight his legal acumen and dedication to justice. For instance, he successfully defended a Memphis pastor accused of a scheme involving COVID-19 relief funds, resulting in a not-guilty verdict. His ability to navigate complex legal issues and achieve favorable outcomes for his clients underscores his qualifications for the judicial role.
Comparison with Judge Craig McCarthy
Youth and Fresh Perspective
Stephen Brown, a younger candidate, brings a fresh perspective to the judiciary. In contrast, Judge Craig McCarthy, born in 1967, represents an older, more conservative approach. Stephen’s youth and modern outlook are seen as assets in addressing contemporary legal challenges and ensuring the judiciary evolves with societal changes.
Commitment to Reducing Case Backlog
Stephen is committed to speeding up the backlog of cases, a significant issue in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. His efficient handling of cases as an Assistant State Attorney and in private practice demonstrates his capability to manage court dockets effectively. On the other hand, Judge McCarthy’s practice of taking Fridays off has been criticized for worsening the backlog, highlighting a stark difference in their approaches to judicial efficiency.
Political Neutrality
Stephen emphasizes maintaining a judiciary free of political influence, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and justly. This commitment to impartiality contrasts with McCarthy’s past political involvement, including his support for controversial laws and his critique of landmark Supreme Court decisions like Brown v. Board of Education.
Professional Licenses and Certifications
- Admitted to the Florida Bar
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- Admitted to U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Dependency Mediator
- Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Appellate Mediator
- Florida Real Estate Broker’s License
Memberships
- NAACP – Life Member
- Osceola County Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- League of Women Voters of Orange County, FL
- Paul C. Perkins Bar Association
- Central Florida Gay & Lesbian Law Association
- Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association
- Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida
- Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- National Eagle Scout Association
Conclusion
Stephen Brown’s career is marked by a dedication to fairness, efficiency, and community service. His extensive legal experience, combined with his commitment to reducing case backlogs and maintaining judicial impartiality, make him a strong candidate for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. In contrast to Judge Craig McCarthy’s conservative and politically influenced approach, Stephen offers a fresh, modern perspective that aligns with the values of the residents of Orange and Osceola Counties.