11th Judicial Circuit of Florida Judge, Jerald Bagley, Source:11th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Judge Jerald Bagley has been a judge for 20 years. He currently sits in the civil division. Before becoming a judge, he was a prosecutor for 10 years. He has dedicated his entire legal career to public service. He remains modest and appreciative of everything in his life. 

Judge Bagley's mother single handedly raised him and his 4 siblings while returning to school to obtain her college degree. She instilled in her children a strong work ethic and taught them the importance of education. From the time he was in High School in New Jersey, Judge Bagley wanted to become a lawyer.  He obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Bloomfield College and went on to Rutgers University School of Law where he earned his J.D.

In 1984, he came to the Miami State Attorney's Office as a prosecutor. He recalls his interview with then State Attorney Janet Reno: "She seemed to argue with me about everything during the interview." After his interview, he was quite sure he did not get the job. State Attorney Reno must have been impressed with how well he argued his point. Although he was surprised to hear it, she extended him an offer to become an Assistant State Attorney. 1984 was an exciting and challenging time to be a prosecutor in Miami. He credits the challenges for allowing him to hone his trial skills. He recalls that the kind of experience offered allowed those who were talented and worked hard to ascend the ranks and take on even more interesting cases.

During his tenure as a prosecutor, Judge Bagley prosecuted a variety of cases ranging from juvenile delinquency to sexual batteries and homicides. He became a Major Crimes prosecutor entrusted with the most complicated and high profile cases. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle later hand-picked him to be one of her Chief Assistants.  Judge Bagley was responsible for a variety of operations and administrative functions throughout the entire State Attorney's Office.

"I have so many fond memories of Jerald Bagley. We would spend hours together discussing policies and procedures for the office. Jerald always had very keen insights as to improving our criminal justice system. I relied on him and his judgment heavily. When we were struggling with a case or an issue, I would simply mention the "apple of his eye" his daughter, Julianne, and his face would light up the whole room, and all the trouble would fade away. Julianne was my secret weapon, " recalled State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

Judge Bagley says he owes his legal career to Janet Reno and Kathy Fernandez Rundle. He thanks them for their leadership and all the opportunities they provided to him. He speaks highly of public service and the values it teaches. Civic commitment, experience and good mentoring are very important, says Judge Bagley. He stresses that reputation and professionalism is the key to everything, and that getting along with victims, witnesses, other lawyers, court personnel and everyone in the system, is monumental.

Judge Bagley is a proud father who has served on the juvenile, civil, criminal and family bench. He has taught litigation skills at the University of Miami for 15 years.  He tells young lawyers that it is not just about winning, but about doing the right thing.  He says "Public servants recognize the good they do as normal but necessary work, notwithstanding the low pay and little to no recognition."