Judge John F. Lakin to Speak at School of Law Commencement

Florida Circuit Court Judge John F. Lakin did more than just attend Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, MA when it first opened its doors; technically, he named the school.

"I was one of the original Commonwealth School of Law students who transferred to Massachusetts School of Law in 1988," said Judge Lakin, who was elected (unopposed) in 2012 to the 12^th Judicial Circuit Court for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties.  "This group was made up of a dynamic group of individuals, driven to become lawyers, against big odds.

"I can recall meeting with Dean Velvel, Diane Sullivan, Dick Ahern, Al Zappala, and others to discuss the process.  I suggested changing the name of the school to Massachusetts School of Law, and to my amazement, everyone agreed on the name."

Lakin didn't just name the school, he used it as a springboard to a prestigious legal career that includes a number of notable "firsts," such as becoming the first MSL graduate to become a licensed lawyer in Florida and Washington, D.C.; the first to be voted a Florida "Super Lawyer" by his peers, and now the first Circuit Court Judge in Florida.  These achievements have also gained him a spot as the school's keynote speaker at its commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 31.

Lakin started his legal career in Boston in 1990, working for a Boston area criminal defense firm.  Thereafter, Judge Lakin was with the Andover law firm of Broadhurst, Lakin and Lakin where he was partners with his brother Kenneth A. Lakin and then State Representative, Arthur J. Broadhurst until 2000.

In 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Judge Lakin was selected as one of the Florida Super Lawyers; only 5% of the attorneys in the State of Florida are selected for inclusion.

Judge Lakin has appeared as a guest on Court TV (Now TruTv), CNN Headline News, and MSNBC as a legal analyst for criminal trials.  He has been interviewed on BBC international radio regarding the American legal system.  Judge Lakin is also a frequent lecturer for numerous organizations, including the American Bar Association.

Lakin credits his MSL education, along with his practical experience, as the keys to his legal success.

"While attending MSL, I was fortunate to be working for a Boston area law firm. The firm handled a great number of civil and criminal trials as well as federal criminal trials, and I was able to be involved with these trials while attending school in the evenings.  The hands-on experience I gained while sitting at the counsel table with the lawyers was invaluable.

"[Additionally], the talented professors at MSL provided practical experience, excellent education, and a passion for teaching which combined to create a valuable learning environment.  The experience I gained from the lawyers, combined with the first-rate legal education and practical hands-on experience, made for my easy transition into the legal world."

Without question, MSL helped Judge Lakin make quite a name for himself in the legal profession.  Which is only fitting, since he made a name for the school.