Supreme Court of Florida
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 12-613 Re Laura Marie Watson
June 18, 201540 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 354
Summary
The Court upheld the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission’s findings that Judge Laura Marie Watson violated numerous professional-conduct rules through her handling of a multimillion-dollar settlement while she was a practicing attorney. It held that the misconduct fell within the Court’s and the Commission’s jurisdiction, was supported by clear and convincing evidence, and demonstrated present unfitness for judicial office warranting removal. The Court approved the JQC’s recommendation of removal.