TAMPA, FL – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s nomination of Tampa-based U.S. Magistrate Judge Julie S. Sneed for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida:

“I am thrilled that President Biden has nominated the well-respected Tampa Bay area federal Magistrate Judge Julie Sneed for the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Florida. Judge Sneed is widely respected for her proven commitment to fairness and the rule of law. Throughout her career, Judge Sneed has worked to ensure justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.

“The Middle District Court is one of the busiest judicial districts in the country, and it is in the midst of a judicial emergency. It’s critical we fill vacancies quickly to ensure that the wheels of justice turn efficiently.

“The nomination of a new federal judge is a momentous occasion that underscores the importance of the judicial system in upholding the rule of law and the values we cherish as Americans. This moment signifies the culmination of a meticulous evaluation of Judge Sneed's unimpeachable qualifications, experience and legal expertise.

“President Biden’s nomination of Judge Sneed builds on the President’s commitment to fulfilling his promise to ensure the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country – in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.

“I look forward to the U.S. Senate’s swift confirmation of Judge Julie S. Sneed for the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Florida.”

Judge Julie S. Sneed has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Middle District of Florida since June 2015. She previously worked as a partner at Akerman LLP from 2012 to 2015; an associate and later a partner at Fowler White Boggs Banker, P.A. from 2004 to 2012; and a litigation associate at Trenam, Kemker, Scharf, Barkin, Frye, O’Neill & Mullis, P.A. from 1997 to 2000. Judge Sneed served as a law clerk for Judge James D. Whittemore on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida from 2000 to 2004 and Judge Chris W. Altenbernd on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal from 1995 to 1997. She received her J.D. from Florida State University College of Law in 1994 and her B.S. from the University of Florida in 1991. Judge Sneed is married to Dr. Kevin Sneed, Dean of the University of South Florida’s College of Pharmacy.