TALLAHASSEE, FL - On July 17, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announces four judicial appointments:  

Shannon Shaw, of Jupiter, to serve as Judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal 

Shaw has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida since 2017. Previously, she was an Associate at Hunton & Williams LLP. She was also a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable K. Michael Moore and the Honorable James King in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her juris doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School. Shaw fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Warner. 

Caroline Shepherd, of Palm Beach Gardens, to serve as Judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal 

Shepherd has served as a Circuit Court Judge for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit since 2019. Previously, she served as a County Court Judge for Palm Beach County. She also served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and her juris doctor from New England School of Law. Shepherd fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Damoorgian. 

Richard Martin, of Tampa, to serve as Judge on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court 

Martin has served as a County Court Judge for Hillsborough County since 2023. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff at the Florida Office of the Attorney General. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Martin fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Moe. 

Jeffrey Rich, of Tampa, to serve as Judge on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court 

Rich has served as a County Court Judge for Hillsborough County since 2021. Previously, he was the Solo Practitioner at The Law Office of Jeffrey M. Rich. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Rich fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Ward.