Boca Raton, Fla. — Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and Judge Miguel de la O of the 11th Judicial Circuit have been named co-recipients of the 2025 William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award. The honor was presented during the recent Annual Florida Bar Convention.
The William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award is given annually to judges who demonstrate outstanding character, service, and competence in their roles as jurists and public servants. According to the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism and the Standing Committee on Professionalism, Altonaga and de la O exemplify the ideals of professionalism and justice, inspiring others in the legal community.
With a remarkable career stretching nearly three decades, Chief Judge Altonaga has achieved several significant milestones. She was the first Florida International University graduate to attend Yale Law School, the first Cuban-American woman to serve on a federal district court, and the first woman to hold the position of chief judge in the Southern District’s 175-year history. Altonaga began her judicial journey as a county court judge, appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles, before being elevated to circuit court judge by Governor Jeb Bush. In 2003, she was nominated by President George W. Bush to the federal bench.
Altonaga was nominated for the Hoeveler Award by Chief Judge Thomas Logue of the Third District Court of Appeal, who described her as a model of professionalism, noted for her civil yet effective demeanor. Logue emphasized the need for role models in the legal profession and praised Altonaga for embodying the spirit of her predecessor, William Hoeveler.
In her commitment to civic engagement, Altonaga has been a dedicated supporter of FIU Law School since its establishment in 2001, previously serving on its advisory board and as a mentor for law students. Logue highlighted her respect for the law, a value he attributes to her father’s influence as a lawyer and diplomat who fled Cuba prior to her birth.
Judge de la O, elected as a circuit judge in 2012 after two decades of law practice in Miami, echoed the sentiments of his honor. “Receiving an award named after Judge Hoeveler will be among my greatest recognitions,” he stated. De la O graduated cum laude from Florida State University, where he also contributed to the FSU Law Review. He co-founded the law firm de la O & Marko, earning a reputation as an exceptional trial and appellate lawyer.
Throughout his judicial tenure, de la O has presided over more than 180 civil and criminal jury trials. He is active in the legal community, serving on various committees and teaching trial advocacy at FIU College of Law. His community involvement predates his judicial role, having served on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and various local boards.
Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie praised Judge de la O as a standard-bearer for professionalism, citing his preparedness and respectful management of his courtroom. Seven of his fellow judges supported his nomination for the Hoeveler Award, emphasizing his exemplary judicial temperament.
This year’s awards mark the first instance of the honor being shared between two recipients, highlighting the exceptional contributions of both judges to the legal field.
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