susan h rothstein-youakim: A Trailblazing Judge’s Journey
From her early years in Sarasota to the bench of the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal, susan h rothstein-youakim has built a career marked by dedication, legal acumen, and public service. Her story reveals lessons in perseverance and the powerful impact one committed jurist can have on her community and the legal landscape.
Early Life and Education of susan h rothstein-youakim
susan h rothstein-youakim was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, where her curiosity and academic drive became clear early on. She attended Pine View School, known for nurturing intellectual growth and independence.
Later, she graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian, cum laude, in 1990. She then pursued her Juris Doctor at the University of Florida College of Law, where she served as Executive Articles Editor for the Florida Journal of International Law.
Her education set the tone for a career grounded in sharp analytical thinking, global awareness, and a strong ethical foundation.
Legal Beginnings and Federal Experience
After completing law school, susan h rothstein-youakim began her legal journey as a clerk to Judge Charles R. Wilson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. This formative experience shaped her understanding of judicial reasoning, appellate processes, and the importance of clarity in written advocacy.
In 1995, she joined the Appellate Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. During her tenure, she worked on both criminal and civil appeals, drafting more than six hundred appellate briefs and presenting around sixty oral arguments before the Eleventh Circuit.
Her time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney also included teaching at the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center, where she shared her expertise with fellow prosecutors.
Appointment to the Bench and Judicial Career
In May 2016, susan h rothstein-youakim was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal. Her commission began on July 5 of that year. The 2nd DCA serves as one of Florida’s five appellate courts, reviewing cases from multiple counties to ensure that justice is fairly and accurately applied.
Before her appointment, she was selected as one of the top finalists by the Florida Judicial Nominating Commission. Her deep appellate background, professional ethics, and legal scholarship made her a respected choice for the position.
She is also a long-time member of the Bruce R. Jacob-Chris W. Altenbernd Criminal Appellate American Inn of Court, where she was honored with the Altenbernd Award for Excellence in 2015.
Throughout her judicial career, she has remained committed to mentorship—guiding law students and young professionals to better understand the meaning of service and legal integrity.
Elections, Retention, and Public Service
Appellate judges in Florida face periodic retention elections where voters decide whether they should remain in office. susan h rothstein-youakim was retained by a strong majority in both 2018 and 2024, reflecting broad confidence in her work and her approach to justice.
Her judicial philosophy emphasizes impartiality, clarity, and respect for the rule of law. She is widely regarded for her attention to detail, fairness, and ability to write opinions that blend deep legal reasoning with accessible explanations.
Outside the courtroom, she continues to engage in community service and mentoring. She often visits schools to speak about civic responsibility, ethics, and the importance of law in preserving freedom and justice.
Two Insights from Her Career
- Preparation builds confidence and clarity.
Over decades of appellate work, susan h rothstein-youakim has demonstrated that mastery comes from consistent preparation. Her methodical approach to brief writing and argument crafting underscores that precision and patience define great advocates and judges. - Mentorship multiplies impact.
Her continuous guidance to students and new lawyers shows that leadership in law extends beyond verdicts and opinions—it lies in cultivating the next generation. One law student once shared how her encouragement gave them the confidence to pursue a federal clerkship, proving how mentorship can shape futures.
The Legacy and Impact of susan h rothstein-youakim
Through her career, susan h rothstein-youakim has embodied fairness, diligence, and service to justice. Her decisions influence how Florida’s laws evolve and ensure that the appellate process remains transparent and balanced.
Her rise from Sarasota’s Pine View School to a seat on the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal demonstrates the power of education, persistence, and service. She stands as a role model for aspiring lawyers—especially young women—showing that the judiciary can be both principled and compassionate.
Her legacy continues to grow, rooted in her unwavering dedication to the people and to the ideals of justice that define her work on the bench.
FAQs about susan h rothstein-youakim
Q: When was susan h rothstein-youakim appointed to the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal?
A: She was appointed in May 2016 and began serving on July 5 of that year.
Q: Where did she study law?
A: She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Russian from Duke University.
Q: What are some highlights of her professional background?
A: She worked as a federal appellate attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, handled hundreds of appellate briefs, and served as a law clerk for Judge Charles R. Wilson.
Q: Has she been involved in legal education and mentorship?
A: Yes, she actively mentors students and young attorneys through the Inn of Court and community outreach programs.
Q: How often does she face retention elections?
A: Like all appellate judges in Florida, she faces periodic retention elections, where voters decide whether she continues serving on the bench.
