Miami, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of John Couriel to the Florida Supreme Court. Mr. Couriel’s appointment fills the vacancy of former Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Lagoa, who now serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit after being appointed by President Donald Trump.

“John Couriel’s life experience has taught him the value of freedom and democratic principles,” said Governor DeSantis. “John has had a very successful career in the private sector and his willingness to serve and lend his intellect and abilities to our state is admirable. He believes in the rule of law and understands the proper role of the courts. I look forward to his accomplishments as a Justice on the Florida Supreme Court.”

“I’m grateful for the trust that Governor DeSantis has placed in me by inviting me to serve on the highest court of our state,” said John D. Couriel. “Alexander Hamilton said, ‘courts have neither force nor will, but merely judgment,’ and I intend to exercise that judgment to the best of my ability. I am grateful to the people of the state of Florida who welcomed my parents to America from Cuba 60 years ago, when they and their parents sought justice, a better life and most of all freedom. Once again, I’m thankful to the Governor for this opportunity to serve Florida and its citizens.”

John D. Couriel

Couriel, of Miami, is a partner at Kobre & Kim LLP, an international law firm specializing in disputes and investigations. Prior to joining Kobre & Kim, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Before that, he practiced with Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where he focused on internal investigations and commercial disputes. Mr. Couriel received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. He and his wife Rebecca live in Miami with their two children.

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