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J. Muir & Associates PA announces that Scott Janowitz, a member of the firm’s legal team, has been appointed to serve as Eleventh Judicial Circuit Civil Magistrate. This appointment follows the retirement of Magistrate Elizabeth Schwabedissen, who concluded her service in July 2024.
The Circuit Civil Magistrate’s duties included holding pretrial proceedings on various civil matters such as discovery disputes, enforcement of settlement agreements, attorney disqualifications, and other issues designed to contribute to the efficiency of the civil courts of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Janowitz brings experience from criminal and civil practice, together with technology skills and experience on the bench to his new role. His appointment was made by a selection committee chaired by Associate Administrative Judge Lourdes Simon.
“We are proud of Scott’s appointment,” said Jane Muir, Managing Partner at J. Muir & Associates PA. “His experience and dedication to the law make him well-suited for this position.”
Mr. Janowitz will be sworn in and begin performing the duties of General Magistrate on October 21, 2024.
ABOUT SCOTT JANOWITZ
A Miami native, Mr. Janowitz graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and minors in Social Decision Systems and Business. After a successful career in technology and business consulting, he earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 2005.
Mr. Janowitz’s legal career began at the State Attorney’s Office for the 17th Judicial Circuit, where he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases and tried over 80 jury trials. He then transitioned to insurance litigation, representing various carriers in coverage and bad faith litigation. Since 2015, Mr. Janowitz has focused on representing policyholders, leveraging his insider knowledge of insurance companies to advocate for his clients.
An AV-rated attorney in both criminal and insurance fields, Mr. Janowitz is admitted to practice in Florida and Colorado, as well as multiple federal courts including the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mr. Janowitz was appointed on April 21, 2020 by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Miami-Dade County Court and was not re-elected, leaving the bench in 2023. Even so, he distinguished himself by rising to associate administrative judge of the Miami-Dade County Court during his tenure. He earned the endorsement of the Miami Herald in seeking re-election in 2024, but was not elected.
TRANSITION IN THE MAGISTRATE’S OFFICE
Mr. Janowitz’s appointment marks a transition in the Magistrate’s office. He succeeds the Hon. Elizabeth Schwabedissen, who served from 2005 until her retirement in July 2024. She received her B.S. in economics from Chatham College in 1980 and her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1983. Prior to her appointment as magistrate, Schwabedissen practiced at Sparber, Shevin, Shapo, Heilbronner & Brook, P.A. (1983-1988) and Caruana & Wells (1988-1989) before becoming a partner at Adorno & Yoss, P.A. in 1989, where she practiced until her appointment in 2005. Sandy Schatzman, the Administrative Assistant to the Magistrate, retired on August 31, 2024.
CELEBRATORY EVENT
The Miami-Dade Bar Association will co-sponsor a celebratory tailgate party at the University of Miami vs. Duke Football Game on November 2, 2024 with J. Muir & Associates PA, to mark Mr. Janowitz’s appointment. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for colleagues and community members to congratulate Mr. Janowitz on his new role.
