Ms. Lott studied psychology at the University of Florida, where she graduated with high honors in 1974. Martha Lott graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with partner, Cherie Fine, in 1981 and was admitted to the Florida Bar. She began her career with the Public Defender’s Office of the 8th Judicial Circuit in 1981 working with partners Jack J. Fine, Tom Farkash, and Alan Parlapiano. Prior to becoming a Judge, Martha Lott was in private practice as a trial lawyer.
Martha Lott retired from the bench in May 2013 after over 22 years as a County Court Judge, Circuit Judge and as Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida. She joined Fine, Farkash, & Parlapiano, P.A., in July 2013. Her experience as a Judge included all areas of practice at both the County and Circuit levels in State Court. Martha Lott presided in all six counties of the 8th Circuit of Florida.
In the early 1980s, she suffered a permanent injury as the result of an auto-accident. She was represented by Fine, Farkash, & Parlapiano, P.A. Her experience as a trial lawyer, a Judge, and a person with a permanent injury gives her a uniquely broad perspective.
Particular areas of expertise include psychology/psychiatry (including PTSD and brain injury), family law, and litigation. Martha Lott is known for innovative problem solving. During her free time, Ms. Lott is an avid dressage competitor and is currently writing a novel.
Ms. Lott served as a County Court Judge from 1991-1997, Circuit Judge from 1997-2009, Administrative Judge of Circuit Criminal Court from 2006-2009, and Chief Judge from 2009-2012.
“In 1978, I was working as a psychologist in an institutional treatment setting. I was called to court to testify about the progress of clients we were treating. I saw that though there are many different helping professions, the decisions that affect people’s lives occur in the courtroom. If I was going to make any meaningful contribution, I needed to do it there.”
MARTHA ANN LOTT
Fun Fact:
“Cherie and I went to law school together, Jack was my assigned mentor in the Public Defender’s Office, Alan hired me, Tom supervised my first trial, and Stephen promised to give me Julie when she was born because he wanted a brother…at least until he saw her.”
Favorite Quote
“You cannot have failed to observe, Sir, the extreme age to which lawyers live. Age does not whither them, nor custom state. This for the reason that they have no cares or anxieties of their own; the cares and anxieties of their clients touch them only as the sun touches the flower: it causes them to blossom like a rose.”
NEWTON ON BLACKSTONE
Mr. Fine and Ms. Jenkins were great to work with. They answered my questions fully (no matter how many times I asked the same thing) and showed great patience and empathy for my situation. They also worked hard to make sure that all issues were resolved and concerns were addressed. I HIGHLY recommend Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano