Anthony K. Black’s career in Florida’s legal system exemplifies a unique blend of diverse professional experiences culminating in a distinguished judicial tenure. From his early days as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to his current role as a judge on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal, his journey showcases adaptability, dedication, and a commitment to the principles of law. For a similar example of a diverse legal career, see Andrea Leahy’s profile. This article examines the multifaceted aspects of his career, exploring his professional background, judicial appointments, significant cases, and overall impact on the Florida legal landscape.
Before transitioning to law, Anthony K. Black established a solid foundation in accounting and finance. Graduating magna cum laude from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1978, he further solidified his financial acumen by earning the designation of CPA after working for Price Waterhouse in Chicago. This early experience instilled in him an understanding of financial principles and analytical thinking, assets that would later prove valuable in his legal career.
In 1983, Black earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Illinois College of Law. He then embarked on a career in private practice, initially in Chicago, specializing in civil law. In 1985, he relocated to Tampa, Florida, joining the Macfarlane Ferguson law firm, where he became a partner in 1988. This period allowed him to hone his skills as a civil trial attorney and develop a deep understanding of Florida’s legal system.
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Black co-founded the firm Black & Jung, P.A., in 1992. He continued to practice as a civil trial attorney until 2000 when he transitioned to a solo practice. During his time in private practice, he achieved board certification in Civil Trial Law and earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying high ethical standards and professional ability. Further diversifying his expertise, he also served as a certified mediator and represented NFL players as a certified NFL Player Agent, showcasing his negotiation skills and ability to navigate complex contractual agreements. He also served as an adjunct professor of Business Law at the University of Tampa, sharing his knowledge with aspiring legal professionals.
This diverse background, encompassing accounting, civil law, mediation, and sports representation, provided Judge Black with a unique and comprehensive perspective, setting the stage for his eventual judicial career.
Judicial Appointments and Tenure
Anthony K. Black’s judicial career began in 2002 when he was appointed to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court by Governor Jeb Bush. He served in various divisions, including the Felony Trial Division, Family Law Division, and Juvenile Dependency Division, gaining experience across a broad spectrum of legal matters. He was re-elected to the circuit court bench in 2004 without opposition, a clear indication of public confidence in his abilities.
In April 2010, Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the Second District Court of Appeal, marking a significant milestone in his judicial career. As an appellate judge, he reviews decisions made by lower courts, ensuring adherence to legal principles and proper procedure. He was retained by the electorate in 2012, 2018, and 2024, demonstrating consistent public support for his continued service on the appellate court. His current term extends to January 7, 2031.
Throughout his time on the bench, Judge Black has been actively involved in various professional organizations and committees. He has authored articles for The Florida Bar Journal and has been active in the Hillsborough County Bar Association. He is a past member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (A.B.O.T.A.) and has served as president of both the Tampa Bay Inn of Court and the William Reece Smith Inn of Court. Additionally, he has served on the Subcommittee on Postconviction Relief and the Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, contributing to the development and refinement of legal standards in Florida.
Notable Cases and Judicial Philosophy
While comprehensive information on specific judicial rulings by Judge Black is not easily accessible to the public, available records and news reports provide insights into his judicial philosophy and approach. His decisions often emphasize adherence to established legal principles, due process, and statutory interpretation.
Examining publicly available rulings from 2011-2012 reveals a consistent focus on procedure and established legal principles. His decisions suggest an approach to the law that is meticulous and fair. Cases such as Brown v. State and Reyes v. State demonstrate his commitment to due process, as he often reversed lower court decisions when proper procedures weren’t followed. The lack of sufficient evidence in Brown v. State illustrates this perfectly. Judge Black’s judicial philosophy also involves precise statutory interpretation, demonstrated by his understanding of statutory language in the North Port de-annexation case. His interpretation showcases a commitment to clear application of statutory law.
His appointment by Governor Charlie Crist, who was a Republican at the time, and subsequent endorsement from conservative groups like Florida Family Action, suggest a generally conservative judicial leaning. However, his career reflects a commitment to impartiality and fairness within the framework of established legal precedents.
Evaluating Judge Black’s Impact and Contributions
Assessing the full scope of Judge Black’s impact requires considering several factors, including his contributions to legal scholarship, his involvement in professional organizations, and the long-term effects of his judicial rulings. Further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of his influence on Florida’s legal landscape.
His receipt of the University of Illinois College of Law Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2017 underscores his contributions to the legal profession and his standing among his peers. His involvement in organizations such as the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Inns of Court demonstrates his commitment to promoting excellence in legal advocacy and fostering professional development.
However, a comprehensive assessment necessitates a deeper dive into court records and case details, which are not always readily available. Interviews with lawyers, colleagues, and legal experts could provide invaluable context and insights into his judicial philosophy and approach.
Accessing Relevant Judicial Records and Information
One of the challenges in analyzing Judge Black’s career is the limited accessibility of detailed information on specific judicial rulings. While public records provide biographical details and election results, detailed case-specific information is often difficult to obtain.
To overcome these limitations, researchers can explore various resources, including the Florida Courts website, Ballotpedia, local news archives, and legal databases. Requesting access to case records directly from the Second District Court of Appeal may also be an option, although access may be subject to certain restrictions.
Interviews with legal professionals who have worked with Judge Black, such as attorneys who have appeared before him or colleagues on the bench, could provide valuable insights into his judicial philosophy and approach.
Judge Black’s Influence on Family Law and Felony Cases
While a comprehensive analysis is hampered by the limited accessibility of detailed information, publicly available rulings and data suggest specific trends.
Family Law
Judge Black’s consistent re-election suggests a level of trust and satisfaction with his performance and a positive overall perception of his judicial decisions.
Understanding Florida Supreme Court decisions, such as Wade v. Hirschman, which drastically altered child custody modification procedures, provides a broader context for analyzing Judge Black’s decisions in family law cases. Wade introduced a uniform “substantial change” standard for modification, simplifying and aiming for consistent application statewide.
Felony Cases
Examining publicly available rulings from 2011-2012 reveals Judge Black consistently focusing on procedure and established legal principles. His decisions suggest an approach to the law that is meticulous and fair.
Cases such as Brown v. State and Reyes v. State demonstrate his commitment to due process, as he often reversed lower court decisions when proper procedures weren’t followed. The lack of sufficient evidence in Brown v. State illustrates this perfectly. Judge Black’s judicial philosophy also involves precise statutory interpretation, demonstrated by his understanding of statutory language in the North Port de-annexation case. His interpretation showcases a commitment to clear application of statutory law.
Conclusion
Anthony K. Black’s career as a Florida judge is a testament to his diverse expertise, dedication to the legal system, and commitment to public service. From his early days as a CPA to his current role on the Second District Court of Appeal, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles of law and ensuring fairness and justice for all. While further research is needed to fully assess the scope of his impact, available information suggests a career marked by success, achievement, and a deep commitment to the Florida legal community. His journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring legal professionals and a reminder of the importance of integrity, diligence, and a commitment to justice in the pursuit of a legal career.
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