University of Central Florida- BA Degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Legal Studies, Minor Criminal Justice

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1 1. Name Linda L. Gaustad 2. Age Contact address 815 S. Volusia Avenue, Suite 1 Orange City, FL Contact phone number ext.6 5. Contact address lgaustad@centurylink.net 6. Website, if available LindaForJudge.org 7. Office sought Circuit Court Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 17 Biographical Data: 8. Educational background Daytona Beach Community College- AA Degree, Summa Cum Laude University of Central Florida- BA Degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Legal Studies, Minor Criminal Justice

2 University Of Florida- Juris Doctor Degree 9. Occupation, training & experience I worked as an appellate attorney at the Office of the Public Defenders before going into private practice. In April 2002, I opened my private practice and have operated and managed my practice in the same location and under the same name ever since. I have represented thousands of clients in Florida state courts for sixteen years. I have diversified court experience in: District Court of Appeal- criminal, civil, and family. Circuit Court- criminal felony, juvenile, dependency, civil, probate, injunctions, and family. County Court- criminal misdemeanor, civil, and small claims. Administrative Court- civil Federal Court- bankruptcy, immigration, and social security disability appeals. 10. Please answer the following questions as it relates to the office you are seeking. A. Briefly describe your philosophy of the judicial role, the qualities that are most important for the role, and the greatest challenges to the role. It is imperative for a judge to be respectful, a good listener, and possess an even temperament. It is necessary to apply the facts of each case to the current law, without legislating from the bench. A judge needs to speak in plain language at times when an individual is representing themselves so that their rulings are understood. B. What aspect from both your personal background and professional background do you feel qualifies you most to be a Judge and why? Through my life experiences, I can personally relate to being a disadvantaged, low and then moderate income individual. I know how important it is to treat everyone with respect and remember that we all deserve access to the courts. The courtroom environment can already be intimidating alone. So many times, I have heard judges speak to unrepresented individuals using legalese rather than simple plain language. This can be disheartening as it is clear from facial expressions that they do not understand the judge. Other times, I have heard judges tell an unrepresented individual that they need a lawyer as if they actually had the financial ability

3 to hire one. The reality is that many individual must represent themselves. It is important for a judge to provide a procedural road map for the unrepresented individual so they understand what is expected. Judges should be patient and make a great effort to understand the message being conveyed to them rather than focus on mistaken grammar, syntax, or personalities. Time management has been a skill I have mastered through life experiences and operating a successful law practice. In order to move a docket along it is necessary to manage the case load with planning, organization, efficiency, hard work and preparation. My experience, along with common sense, would allow me to make detailed rulings from the bench after all evidence is heard, thereby saving valuable court time for more cases while providing litigants with prompt resolutions to their case. C. What distinguishes you from your opponents? It is important that we have judges on the bench with diversified state court experience. Decisions made by a judge at the circuit court level may impact your life and the lives of your family for years to come. You deserve a judge with the experience, knowledge, and common sense that may have to make potential life altering decisions. I believe that I am the best candidate to serve your needs. My experience would allow me to make these tough decision immediately after the evidence has been presented. My life focus has been serving and helping others. I am dedicated to the field of law and I have been blessed to help thousands of people throughout my legal career. I have never forgotten my humble beginnings and everything I have learned along the way. I dedicated sixteen years of practicing law in Florida state courts in the following areas: District Court of Appeal- criminal, civil, and family. Circuit Court- criminal felony, juvenile, dependency, civil, probate, injunctions, and family. County Court- criminal misdemeanor, civil, and small claims. Administrative Court- civil I too have federal court experience, which like military courts, provide a valuable experience different from the state court system. D. What are some ways you would provide or do provide guidance and mentorship to young lawyers in your courtroom?

4 As an attorney, I have offered assistance to young lawyers in many ways from providing forms to offering to assisting them in areas of law. In addition, there are resources available through the Florida Bar and local bar associations. As a judge, I would continue to assist young lawyers, within the judicial limits of course. When I was a young lawyer, it was helpful when a judge would provide an honest critique after a trial. I would offer this opportunity to young lawyers that would like this type of help. Sometimes, time management is an issue if the young lawyer is not prepared for court. I would offer them guidance in the importance of being prepared in a case. E. What is the most important characteristic of a judge and how do you think you possess that characteristic? A judge should be committed to being impartial and uphold the law. I learned early in my legal career when working as a criminal appellate attorney, that to seek justice in accordance with the law, it was necessary for me to set aside my personal beliefs and opinions. Through the years, I have represented individuals on both sides in litigation and analyze the law from all angles. It is important for a judge to set aside their personal beliefs and opinions and uphold the law in a fair and impartial manner. F. What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to just and equal treatment for all individuals? Please explain. The understanding that everyone is important regardless of income barriers, education, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental limitations, and religious beliefs. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect from the judge. The law does not change because someone is represented by an attorney or does not know how to express themselves as well as others. We are all entitled to equal justice under the law and it is of the utmost importance that a judge be fair, impartial and make rulings based on the law.

5 G. How do you or would you respond to opposing attorneys that are uncooperative? What is a key component to professionalism and civility in the courtroom? I would call the attorneys up to the bench (if there are other individuals in the courtroom) and remind them that I expect nothing less than professionalism in my courtroom. The judge maintaining control of the courtroom is essential component to professionalism and civility in the courtroom. A judge should be respectful, but firm, regarding the courtroom demeanor and procedures expected from everyone.