Attorney and small business owner Lourdes Casanova, a longtime Royal Palm Beach resident, has filed paperwork to run for the open Palm Beach County Court Judge Group 2 seat.
County Court Group 2 an open seat. Incumbent Judge Ted Booras has indicated he will retire at the end of his term. Casanova is one of three candidates who have filed for the seat. The others are Douglas Leifert and Jean Marie Middleton.
“I have the legal experience, judgment and integrity to serve our community as county court judge,” Casanova said. “For nearly a decade, I have litigated in our county court system’s criminal, civil and traffic divisions. I believe my track record in the courtroom, community service and personal experiences make me the most qualified and prepared candidate for the job. It would be an honor to serve Palm Beach County in our judiciary.”
Casanova’s experience in serving Palm Beach County in the judiciary can be seen through her multiple nominations by the Judicial Nominating Commission. The JNC recommends to the Governor’s Office who they believe is qualified to serve as a judge.
Casanova is the founding attorney of Casanova Law, a Palm Beach County law firm providing representation in the areas of criminal law, DUI, fish and wildlife, sealing and expunging, juvenile court, traffic tickets, civil small claims and immigration.
Casanova founded her law firm in 2015 after beginning her legal career in public service as a prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office in Palm Beach County. In her role as a prosecutor, she litigated hundreds of cases, conducted jury trials, reviewed warrants and examined evidence.
In addition to her legal practice, Casanova has served the community through her work with several organizations, including the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association (2023 president); the Florida Bar Leadership Academy (fellow, 2022-23); the Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee (member); the Palm Beach County Bar Association, Bench Bar Conference Session Co-Chair (2021-22); Special Olympics (volunteer); the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce (member); and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (member).
Casanova is often called upon by local news stations and schools to serve as a guest speaker on legal matters. Her work has earned her recognition in the National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40,” Super Lawyers Rising Stars and “10 Best” Female Attorneys for Client Satisfaction. In 2021, Casanova was voted member of the year by her Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association peers.
Casanova’s passion and focus has been litigating county court cases in both government and private practice. Known as “the people’s court,” the county court oversees various citizen disputes, such as traffic offenses, misdemeanor crimes and monetary disputes of $50,000 or less. Casanova appears in the county court weekly and has experience litigating in the county criminal, civil and traffic divisions.
Casanova is a proud “double Gator,” having graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree and later her law degree. Casanova is also a proud Wildcat, graduating as valedictorian of Royal Palm Beach High School in 2005.
Casanova was raised in Palm Beach County by her parents, who immigrated to the United States in search of freedom. As part of the first generation in her family to be born in the U.S., Casanova has a profound appreciation for the constitutional principles of due process, separation of powers and access to courts. She lives in Royal Palm Beach, where she grew up, with her two beloved dogs, Mouse and Fox. Learn more at www.casanovaforjudge.com.
