St. Johns County judge gets Circuit Court seat

Patti A. Christensen received a gubernatorial appointment today to fill the vacancy on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court created by the retirement of Judge Edward E. Hedstrom, according to an announcement received by Historic City News.

“With 18 years of experience as a practicing attorney and 10 years on the county court, Patti is well prepared to be a circuit court judge,” said Governor Crist. “Respectful of all who have appeared in her court, she is committed to a just and fair application of the law.”

St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar told Historic City News that he was pleased when he first heard of the appointment. “Congratulations to Judge Christensen,” Shoar said. “I am sure that she will do a great job.”

Historic City News interviewed Christensen’s former law partner, Geoffrey B. Dobson. Now semi-retired, Dobson says he looks back over a number of county and circuit judges who have been either associates or partners in his firms. “I certainly agree with the Governor on Patti’s appointment,” Dobson said. “She has many strengths, including, for example, probate. No matter what assignment she receives on the circuit, she will be capable and is a fast learner.”

55 year-old Christensen has served as a county court judge since 2000.

Christensen earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and law degree from the University of Florida.

As a County Judge, Christensen earned $137,019.96 each year.

Christensen’s law career at a glance:
Sole practitioner from 1997 to 2000;
Christensen and Burk from 1995 to 1997;
Dobson and Christensen from 1988 to 1995;
Meredith, Dobson and Ready from 1987 to 1988;
Coker, Meyers and Schickel from 1986 to 1987;
Kent, Watts and Durden from 1982 to 1986.