Inquiry Concerning a Judge No. 18-572 Re: Cindy Lederman, Marcia Caballero, Rosa Figarola, Teresa Pooler, Mavel Ruiz

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida approved the JQC’s findings that five judges improperly advocated for a particular vendor during a competitive procurement process by sending a letter to the Department of Children and Families. The court concluded that the conduct violated Canons 1, 2, and 4 and approved a written public reprimand by publication of the opinion. The court noted that Judge Lederman’s greater role would ordinarily warrant a public reprimand, but approved the stipulated written reprimand in light of her retirement.