Judicial vacancy created by Judge Dunnigan’s departure

The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is seeking to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Circuit Judge Janette Dunnigan.

Dunnigan, who presides over one of the family court divisions in Manatee County, was sworn onto the bench following her appointment to the circuit, which includes Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties, by Gov. Lawton Chiles.

The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announced Wednesday it was seeking to fill the vacancy created by Dunnigan’s retirement. Dunnigan sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott announcing she was resigning from her public office.

Dunnigan, who was the first appointed female circuit judge in the three counties, got her law degree from Florida State University in 1980. She began her work as an assistant public defender for four years and later went into private practice for an additional four years.

She later went to work as an Assistant State Attorney, working her way up to felony division chief before she was appointed to the bench.

Those wishing to apply for the vacancy must deliver their applications before 5 p.m. May 16 to Pat Neal at Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, 5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.; Sarasota, FL 34240.

Applications can be obtained at www.floridabar.org, or by contacting Pat Neil at 941-328-1037 or pneal@nealcommunities.com.

This story was originally published April 12, 2017 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Judicial vacancy created by Judge Dunnigan’s departure."