He has been a law professor, a public defender and a prosecutor among the accomplishments in his career. Justice Wells was recognized as one of the state's top trial lawyers and served on the Bar's Board of Governors before he was appointed to the bench. While the Florida Supreme Court has come in for partisan-based criticism, Russomanno noted in the legal community it is considered one of the best state supreme courts in the country and enjoys an excellent reputation. Russomanno said he's concerned with the motives of some critics. This Bar has to remain steadfast that confidence in our judicial system is the backbone of the law.
Judicial independence enriches democracy.
And the Bar, without being involved on the Democratic or Republican side, must stand ready to defend the independence of the judiciary, whether it's the trial court judge, the Florida Supreme Court or the U.S. Supreme Court. Russomanno is calling upon the ABA, state bar associations and national leadership groups to protect the country's constitutional heritage. Local bar associations must vigorously organize education programs to counter the attacks on courts, lawyers and access to justice. He noted The Florida Bar, as a mandatory membership organization, faces limits on what it can do, and that increases the importance of voluntary bar and individual lawyers' actions. Russomanno also calls upon the political leaders of our state to denounce these partisan groups.