Anstead becomes FAMU law’s first jurist in residence

Add Florida Supreme Court Justice Harry Lee Anstead’s name to the list of revered legal scholars who think highly of FAMU’s College of Law. He’s signed on to become the school’s inaugural Distinguished Jurist in Residence.

“The Distinguished Jurist in Residence is designed to bring leading members of the judiciary to campus to share their experiences and discuss compelling legal issues,” said LeRoy Pernell, dean of FAMU law. “We are fortunate to have someone of Justice Anstead’s stature to kick-off what will certainly be the first of many such programs.”

Anstead worked his way through both undergraduate and law school at the University of Florida. Later, he earned a master of laws degree at the University of Virginia, becoming America’s first sitting judge to receive an academic degree in the judicial process.

He worked as a trial and appellate lawyer in South Florida until 1977 when he became a judge of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, where he served as Chief Judge. Former Gov. Lawton Chiles appointed him to the Florida Supreme Court on August 29, 1994. While on the Court, he initiated a comprehensive statewide program to improve professionalism among judges, lawyers, and law schools in the state. The initiative included the creation of a Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and a permanent Center for Professionalism at the Florida Bar.

On July 1, 2002, he became Florida’s 50th Chief Justice. The major priority of his administration was to maintain the excellence of Florida’s trial courts during time of transition and improve the lives of children who were affected by the courts.

Anstead will deliver a lecture to law students on Thursday, November 13, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 379. The event is open to the public. Then, at 2:30 p.m., he will hold a private lecture to FAMU law professors in the faculty lounge.