If you’re curious about who Kevin M. Emas is, why he’s an important figure in Florida’s legal system, and how his long career has shaped state jurisprudence, this in-depth guide covers everything you need to know. In an easy, friendly, and conversational tone, we’ll explore Kevin Emas background, major achievements, contributions to judicial education, and why his work matters within and beyond Florida.
Who Is Kevin Emas?
Kevin Emas is a respected judge serving on the Florida Third District Court of Appeal (often called the Third DCA). With more than four decades in the legal field, his career spans public defense, private practice, trial court service, and appellate court leadership.
He’s widely recognized for:
- His balanced, fair judicial approach
- His long commitment to judicial education
- His leadership as a former Chief Judge of the Third DCA
- His broad experience across criminal, civil, and constitutional law
Today, he remains one of the most experienced and influential appellate judges in Florida.
Early Life and Education
Kevin Emas’s career is built on a strong academic foundation and early leadership roles.
Undergraduate Education
He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1979. During his time there, he served as president of the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, demonstrating early leadership and engagement within the campus community.
Law School
Emas earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1982, graduating cum laude. While in law school:
- He served on the University of Miami Law Review
- He was a member of the Honor Court
- He was inducted into the Order of Barristers for excellence in advocacy
These accomplishments helped lay a strong groundwork for his legal career.
Legal Career: From Public Defender to Appellate Judge
Kevin Emas’s professional journey is long, diverse, and deeply rooted in public service. His experience spans nearly every corner of the legal system.
Early Legal Career
After graduating from law school, Emas began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County (1982–1983). This experience gave him firsthand insight into criminal defense and the realities of everyday people navigating the justice system.
After his public service role, he moved into private practice:
- Attorney at Fine Jacobson Schwarz Nash Block & England (1983–1989)
- Partner at Thornton, Rothman & Emas (1989–1996)
During this period, he gained substantial experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and trial advocacy.
Transition to the Bench
Kevin Emas’s judicial career began in 1996 when he was appointed to the Miami-Dade County Court. His skill, fairness, and professionalism quickly earned recognition.
From there:
- 1996 – Appointed to County Court
- 2001 – Elevated to the Circuit Court (11th Judicial Circuit)
- 2010 – Appointed to the Florida Third District Court of Appeal
- Successfully retained by voters in multiple retention elections, including 2012, 2018, and 2024
His steady rise reflects bipartisan respect and consistent public confidence in his judicial work.
Leadership as Chief Judge
From January 10, 2019 through June 30, 2021, Emas served as the Chief Judge of the Third DCA.
This role involves:
- Managing court operations
- Overseeing budgeting and administration
- Coordinating judicial panels
- Ensuring efficient case management
- Representing the court in statewide judicial matters
As Chief Judge, Emas played an important part in modernizing procedures, improving court efficiency, and guiding the appellate court during a critical period marked by technological change and increased caseloads.
Judicial Philosophy and Focus
While judges rarely declare explicit “philosophies,” Emas’s long career and teaching work reveal key themes:
Balanced Perspective
Because he has served as:
- Public defender
- Private attorney
- Trial court judge
- Appellate judge
…he brings a holistic understanding of how the justice system affects all parties—defendants, victims, civil litigants, and government agencies.
Emphasis on Education
One of Emas’s most defining contributions is judicial education. Since the late 1990s, he has played a major role in teaching and mentoring new judges.
Commitment to Fairness and Clarity
Emas is known for:
- Clear, well-reasoned opinions
- Respect for due process
- Consistent application of the law
- Professionalism and courtroom integrity
His decisions reflect a careful balance: protecting individual rights while upholding legal standards and precedent.
Contributions to Judicial Education
Kevin Emas has made significant and lasting contributions to Florida’s judicial training system.
Faculty Roles
He has served for many years as a faculty member for:
- Florida Judicial College – training every newly appointed or elected judge in the state
- Advanced education programs for experienced judges
He has also taught in law schools, including:
- University of Miami School of Law
- Florida International University College of Law
His teaching includes trial skills, ethics, capital cases, and appellate practice.
Developer of Key Training Programs
One of his most notable contributions is co-developing Florida’s statewide judicial training for judges assigned to capital (death penalty) cases—a responsibility requiring deep legal expertise and high ethical standards.
His influence extends through generations of judges who rely on this training.
Areas of Legal Expertise
Throughout his career, Emas has handled and authored opinions in a wide range of legal areas, including:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Family law matters
- Complex civil litigation
- Constitutional issues
- Administrative law
- Appeals involving significant public policy questions
Because of his experience across multiple court levels (county, circuit, and appellate), he is especially respected for understanding how legal decisions impact real-world cases.
Community Engagement and Public Service
Outside the courtroom, Emas has long been involved in programs that improve public understanding of the legal system.
He has supported community initiatives such as:
- High school mock-trial programs
- Teen court programs
- Mentoring for young lawyers
- Speaking engagements on justice, professionalism, and ethics
His service helps bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public, reinforcing trust and transparency.
Why Kevin Emas Matters
You don’t have to be a Florida resident to appreciate Judge Emas’s impact. Here’s why his career carries broader relevance:
1. Influence on Florida Law
As an appellate judge, his opinions guide trial courts and help shape statewide precedent.
2. Key Role in Judicial Training
His work educating judges influences courtroom practices across Florida, well beyond his own caseload.
3. Model for Judicial Professionalism
Emas’s mix of fairness, clarity, and professionalism offers an example for lawyers and judges across the country.
4. A Career That Reflects Public Confidence
His repeated retention by voters demonstrates strong trust in his integrity and judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What court does Kevin Emas serve on?
He serves on the Florida Third District Court of Appeal.
Q: When was he appointed to the appellate bench?
He joined the Third DCA in 2010.
Q: Has he ever been Chief Judge?
Yes. He served as Chief Judge from 2019 to 2021.
Q: What was his career before becoming a judge?
He worked as an assistant public defender and later as a private practice attorney.
Q: What areas of law does he mainly handle?
As an appellate judge, his work covers criminal, civil, constitutional, and administrative appeals.
Q: Is he involved in judicial education?
Very much so—he teaches new judges, advanced judicial courses, and university law students.
Conclusion
Kevin M. Emas isn’t just an appellate judge—he’s a foundational part of Florida’s legal landscape. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has contributed to law as a defender, attorney, trial judge, appellate judge, chief judge, and educator. His work continues to influence courtroom practices, judicial professionalism, and legal understanding across the state.
