Two UF grads appointed to Hillsborough judgeships

TAMPA — Federal prosecutor Laurel Moore Lee, the wife of state Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, was appointed as a Hillsborough Circuit Court judge Monday by Gov. Rick Scott.

Lee, 39, an assistant U.S. attorney since 2007, formerly worked at the Carlton Fields law firm. She replaces Judge Daniel Sleet, who had been appointed to the 2nd District Court of Appeal by Scott.

Lee earned a bachelor's and law degree from the University of Florida. As a federal prosecutor in Tampa, she helped convict several skinheads who killed two homeless men in Tampa in 1998. She also has served as president of the Pepin Academies charter school in Tampa.

"Laurel is going to be a great addition to the bench in Tampa. I am confident that she will serve the citizens of Florida with dignity and respect," Scott said in a statement.

Also Monday, Scott appointed lawyer Christopher C. Nash with the law firm Leavengood Nash Dauval and Boyle as a judge in Hillsborough County Court.

Nash, 41, who lives in Tampa with his wife and two children, replaces Judge Matthew Lucas, who was elevated to a Circuit Court vacancy by Scott.

"Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated the qualities that make a great judge," Scott said in a statement. "I am proud to appoint him to the Hillsborough County Court and look forward to him serving Tampa with integrity and fairness."

Nash grew up in a military family and is a 1989 graduate of Bloomingdale High School. He attended UF, earning a bachelor's degree in political science. He later earned a master's in business administration and a law degree, both at UF.