Justice Pariente: recognized leadership.

The profile of Chief Justice Barbara Pariente (October) provided readers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the smarts and sensitivity of a great woman. I appreciate Jan Pudlow's excellent work.

Chief Justice Pariente has a career-long interest in the rights of a population with little voice of their own, children. She has dedicated her two-year tenure to a full and forceful discussion of the structure of the court system as it affects the needs of children and their families. I am confident that her leadership on this critical issue will be recognized far beyond the borders of Florida.

Justice Pariente is an ardent advocate of a unified family court, an environment in which justice is a product of careful consideration of the many disciplines affecting the family system. She holds to the belief that domestic issues (e.g., divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse), dependency, delinquency, and an array of special needs cases involving addictions, mental health, and related problems are best addressed in a holistic, nonadversarial process. She respects open dialogue among a spectrum of concerned professionals, with the voice of the family members being clearly heard, or when necessary, competently represented.

I was in attendance at the Passing of the Gavel ceremony in early July. It was so heartening to hear a chorus of praise for Justice Pariente's work ethic, positive spirit, courageous leadership, and cherished devotion to justice. Governor Jeb Bush made special mention of the giving side of Barbara Pariente by recognizing her mentoring of youth and generous volunteerism in the community. But most poignant of all was the praise of her young adult son, Josh, who summed it up by saying, "If you bring my mom a problem, be prepared to work with her on finding a solution. She is the best person I know."

Administering the oath of office was Federal Judge Rosemary Barkett, the only other woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. In preparing to administer the oath, Judge Barkett warned the audience that her friend Barbara will outwork everyone in her presence, so we as a state better be prepared to get in shape and follow her lead.

As an advocate for a quarter-century in Florida, I have observed few leaders who have earned greater respect of peers, generated warmer devotion from friends, or exhibited a stronger sense of purpose than that commanded by Barbara Pariente.

As we read in Proverbs: "A woman of valor who can find ... . for her price is far above rubies. With an outstretched hand she comforts the afflicted. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of loving-kindness is on her tongue. All children rise up and call her blessed."

In Barbara Pariente, Florida has found a woman of valor, wisdom, and loving-kindness. All should rise up, call her blessed, and consider ourselves fortunate to have her as a leader.

JACK LEVINE,

President, Advocacy Resources

Tallahassee