Crist names Fishel to judgeship, replacing Albritton [The News Herald, Panama City, Fla.]

July 20--PANAMA CITY -- A local civil attorney and mediator has been selected to take over Circuit Judge Richard Albritton's seat, the governor's office announced Monday.

John L. Fishel, 47, was picked from 23 applicants. He plans to start later this year and his term ends in 2013, when Albritton's term would have expired. Albritton retired in March.

"I would like to thank the members of the 14th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, as well as my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout this process. I would also like to thank Gov. Charlie Crist and his staff for the confidence they have placed in me," Fishel said in a news release. "I look forward to serving the people of the 14th Circuit."

Fishel supplied Crist with letters from more than a dozen supporters, including Libbie Pippin, an elementary school principal, local attorneys Larry Perry, Waylon Graham, Robert Kerrigan, Rowlett Bryant, Christopher Young and Harold Bazzel, Bay County's former clerk of court.

"He is a credit to our legal system and an individual who is respected and dedicated," Bazzel wrote. "I am keenly aware of the need to have ethical, intelligent and thoughtful individuals to serve as judges. Mr. Fishel possesses t h o s e q u a l i t i e s i n abundance."

Fishel, a Bay High School graduate, obtained a bachelor's of science in industrial management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, according to his application packet, and got his juris doctorate in 1988 from Florida State University.

Fishel began his legal career at Harrison, Sale, McCloy & Thompson. From 1996 until 2006, he was a partner in Boggs & Fishel and finally opened the Law Offices of John L. Fishel in 2007.

Fishel has worked as a civil mediator since 1994 and a family law mediator since 2008. As a practitioner, Fishel concentrated on defending insurance companies, including State Farm and Allstate and a mix o f p e r s o n a l i n j u r y plaintiffs and commercial litigation.

"John's extensive experience as a mediator and in practicing before the circuit court has prepared him to serve on the bench with fairness, common sense and a strong knowledge of the law," Crist wrote in a news release. "He also possesses the work ethic and integrity that will make him an invaluable asset to the people of the 14th Judicial Circuit."

Fishel grossed $286,655 in private practice in 2007, $289,377 in 2008 and $238,337 in 2009, according to his application. However, after he deducted expenses, though not taxes, Fishel took home $175,427 in 2007, $167,828 in 2008 and $131,587 in 2009. Circuit judges make about $145,000 a year.

The 14th Circuit includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties.

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