Jorge Labarga: Renowned judge whose child was arrested for drink-driving

Jorge Labarga is a name synonymous with leadership, excellence and commitment. Throughout his illustrious career, he has made a significant impact in various fields, ranging from law to public service. His footprints in the legal world will always stand out because of how he has worked hard to climb the success ladder, getting to the apex.

So, here is all you need to know about Jorge Labarga.

Table of Content hide 1Jorge Labarga biography 2Jorge Labarga career 3Jorge Labarga’s net worth 4Jorge Labarga family 5Jorge Labarga age 6Jorge Labarga views 6.1Diversity and Inclusion 6.2Equal justice under the law 6.3Access to justice

Jorge Labarga biography

Jorge Labarga was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1952 to Jorge Labarga, Sr. and Miriam. His family subsequently migrated to the United States of America in 1963, settling in Miami, Florida. 

Labarga attended elementary school in Pahokee, a city in Florida. At that time, he did not know any English and it took him half a year to learn the language. In 1969, the Labarga family relocated to West Palm Beach. Labarga completed his high school education at Forest Hill in 1972. 

Following graduation from high school, he pursued a degree in political science at the University of Florida. Subsequently, he enrolled in law school in Gainesville and completed his studies in 1979.

Jorge Labarga career

Labarga’s inspiring career journey highlights his notable achievements, challenges, and contributions.

After completing law school, Labarga began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County, Florida. He later worked as an Assistant Public Defender before entering private practice.

In 1996, he became a Circuit Court Judge for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, serving until 2008. During his tenure on the bench, Labarga earned a reputation for fairness and impartiality, and he was recognised for his dedication to improving the court system.

In 2008, Governor Charlie Crist appointed Labarga to the Florida Supreme Court, making him the first Hispanic person to serve on the state’s highest court.

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Labarga served as Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court from 2014 to 2016, becoming the second Hispanic person to hold the position. During his time on the court, he authored numerous opinions on a wide range of legal issues, including criminal law, civil rights, and environmental law.

Labarga’s commitment to public service goes beyond his legal career. He has been actively involved in various community organisations, including the Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society, the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition, and the Hispanic Bar Association of Palm Beach County. 

In 2019, he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, a group responsible for reviewing and proposing changes to the state’s constitution.

Throughout his career, Labarga has been a champion of diversity, inclusion, and equal justice. He has advocated for the rights of immigrants, minorities and the disadvantaged, and he has worked to ensure that the justice system is fair and accessible to all.

His remarkable achievements as a lawyer, judge, and community leader have made a profound impact on the legal profession and the broader community.

Jorge Labarga’s net worth

According to online reports, Labarga’s net worth is been estimated to be between $3 million to $5 million, according to media reports.

Jorge Labarga family

Labarga’s family has been a source of support and inspiration throughout his career. Interestingly, the judge met his wife for the first time at his law school graduation celebration party.

His wife, Zulma, went to the party with a friend by chance. She and Labarga hit it off and talked for hours that night. Despite living in different cities, their romance only grew stronger after Labarga left for West Palm Beach and Zulma for Miami. He visited Zulma every weekend for a year until they finally tied the knot.

The judge got married to his wife, Zulma R. Labarga, in 1980. Zulma was formerly the manager of Pandora. When she married Labarga, Zulma became a homemaker, mother, and substitute elementary school teacher.

Their union produced two lovely daughters. Their first daughter, Stephanie Marie Larbarga, was born in 1987. Stephanie is the Director of Human Resources at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa.

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Larbarga’s first daughter, Stephanie has been in the news for drunk driving, despite her father’s legal standing. Back in 2012, The Palm Beach Post reported: “According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s report, around 1:40 a.m. today, a deputy spotted Labarga racing west on Okeechobee Boulevard near Folsom Road.”

The car was going 53 mph in a 35 mph zone and had its blinker on, the deputy reported. The deputy stopped Labarga, who the deputy said had bloodshot and glassy eyes and emitted a strong odour of alcohol, according to the report.

Labarga said she was on her way home from downtown West Palm Beach and admitted she had been drinking. As the deputy drove her off, she begged him to let her go if she got a ride, the report said.

Larbarga’s second daughter, Caroline, was born in 1990. She is a teacher at Orange County Public Schools.

Jorge Labarga age

Labarga was born on October 21, 1952. He is currently 70 years old and will be 71 years old in 2023.

Jorge Labarga views

Jorge Labarga is not only known for his impressive legal career but also for his thought leadership and advocacy for social justice. 

Throughout his career, he has shared his views on a range of legal and social issues, providing valuable insights and perspectives, which include:

Diversity and Inclusion

Labarga is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the broader community.

He has spoken out about the need for greater representation of minorities and underrepresented groups in the legal system, noting that diversity and inclusion make our justice system stronger and more effective.

Labarga has also been a vocal supporter of initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, such as the Florida Bar’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Florida Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Civil Justice. 

Through these efforts, he has worked to ensure that all individuals have equal access to legal services and representation.

Equal justice under the law

Labarga has long been a champion of equal justice under the law.

He has been a vocal critic of policies and practices that disproportionately impact marginalised communities, such as the school-to-prison pipeline and the criminalization of poverty.

In a 2018 interview with the American Bar Association, Labarga stated: “The justice system should be colour-blind, gender-blind, and wealth-blind.”

He has advocated for reforms that would reduce disparities in the criminal justice system, including bail reform, sentencing reform, and the use of diversion programs for non-violent offenders.

Access to justice

Labarga has been a vocal advocate for improving access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their income or background. He has supported efforts to increase funding for legal aid organisations and to expand pro bono services for low-income individuals.

In a Round Table Talk in 2016, Labarga stated that “to ensure affordable access to the courts for all”. He has worked to improve access to justice through initiatives such as the Florida Access to Civil Justice Commission and the Florida Bar’s pro bono efforts.

Labarga’s views on diversity and inclusion, equal justice under the law, and access to justice reflect his deep commitment to fairness, equality, and social justice.

His advocacy for underrepresented communities and his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession have made a significant impact on the legal system and the broader community. 

Through his work, Labarga has been a voice for those who have been marginalised or excluded, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals to strive for fairness, equality, and access to justice for all.

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