The Honorable Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. has spent 33 years as a jurist in the State of Florida. Thompson served 15-years as a judge for the Fifth District Court of Appeal including a 3-year term as Chief Judge. Thompson is currently a Senior Judge, having retired from active service in 2008. Thompson’s previous judicial service included 15-years on the state’s Ninth Judicial Circuit as well as 3-years as a judge in Orange County Court and 4 additional years as an Assistant State Attorney. He was awarded his JD from Florida State University and holds an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Florida. Thompson is a member of the National, Florida and Orange County Bar associations and is a former trustee on the board of WMFE public broadcasting.