Bio

• Brown University, Providence, R.I., Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, 1977
• Boston College Law School, Newton Centre, MA., Juris Doctor, cum laude, 1980

• Robert Scola ADR Services, P.A., 2026 to present.
• Coffey Burlington Law, Of Counsel, 2026 to present.
• Senior United States District Judge, Southern District of Florida, 2023 to 2025.
• United States District Judge, Southern District of Florida, 2011 to 2023.
• State of Florida Circuit Court Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, 1995 – 2011.
• Robert N. Scola, Jr. P.A., Miami, Florida, 1986 – 1992 and 1993 – 1995.
• Quinon, Strafer and Scola, P.A., Miami, Florida, 1992 – 1993.
• Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney and Major Crimes Prosecutor
• Dade County State Attorney’s Office, 1980 through 1986.

• Hon. William Hoeveler Professionalism Award
  Florida Bar Committee on Professionalism, 2007
  For exhibiting highest principles of professionalism on the bench.
• Florida Jurist of the Year Award, 2013
  Florida Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates
  For “outstanding contributions to matrimonial law by a member of the judiciary.”
• Florida Jurist of the Year Award, 2011
  American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Florida Chapter
  For “outstanding contributions to matrimonial law by a member of the judiciary.”
• Honorable Theodore Klein Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021
  Greater Miami Jewish Federation
  Presented to a judge who has championed important issues and demonstrated significant leadership in service to our society and whose wisdom and compassion has made a real difference in our judicial or legal system and society; an individual wo possesses an open mind, as well as generous heart.
• Equal Justice Judicial Leadership Award, 2025
  Legal Services of Greater Miami
  To a judge whose work embodies the organization’s core values of fairness, respect, and ensuring justice is accessible to all
• Judge Steven Levine Award, 2006
  Dade County Justice Association
  To a judge who displays “integrity, fairness and professionalism towards all attorneys and litigants who appear before him.”
• Justice Award, 2005
  League of Prosecutors
  For his “dedication to honor and fairness in the criminal justice system.”
• Jurist of the Year Award, 2002
  First American Family Law Inns of Court
  “In appreciation and recognition of dedication, demeanor and service on the family law bench.”
• Hon. Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award, 2001
  Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter
  “In recognition of his outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the improvement of the criminal justice system and the preservation of the Bill of Rights.
• Judge of the Year Award, 2004
  Florida Bar Law Related Education Program
  “For outstanding service in educating the public and restoring public trust and confidence in the legal system.

• Adjunct Professor of Law, Florida International University College of Law, Judicial Externship Program, 2007 to 2015
• Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Miami School of Law, Litigation Skills Program, 1994 to 2012.
• Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies, 1997 to 2011.
• Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges, 1997 to 2011.

Administrative Office of the Courts,
Defender Services Committee, 2016 through 2022

• Responsible for determining the annual budgets of $1.5 billion for the Federal
• Defender’s Offices and court-appointed attorneys throughout the country.

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter, 1987 through 1995

• President, 1994 through 1995
• Department Head, Criminal Track, 1999

Florida Bar Grievance Committee 11E, 1993 through 1995

• Chairperson, 1994

Florida Bar, Criminal Rules of Procedure Committee, 1999-2003

• Goodwill Industries of South Florida Board of Directors, 2026 to present