Bankruptcy Judge Mindy A. Mora
Judge Mora is a bankruptcy judge who was appointed in 2018 to serve in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Mora practiced law for over 36 years focusing on cases involving complex business bankruptcy, commercial finance transactions, and commercial mortgage-backed securitization workouts, foreclosures, and bankruptcies. Judge Mora served as chair of the Section from 2011-2012.
What have you gained from your involvement in the Section?
The Section has provided me with a unique and invaluable opportunity to contribute to the development and clarification of Florida’s commercial laws throughout my years of involvement. As a young lawyer, the Section gave me a platform to refine my public speaking skills—both during meetings and as a speaker at Section-sponsored seminars. Attending these meetings allowed me to build relationships and engage with many of the finest commercial lawyers across Florida. Most significantly, it gave me the rare chance to interact with judges in a collegial, informal setting—something that I believe played a meaningful role in my eventual appointment to the bench.
Which Committees/Task Forces have you served on within the Section?
Over the course of my legal career, I progressed through the ranks of the Bankruptcy/UCC Committee and even had the honor (and challenge!) of organizing the Labor Day Retreat. I have also served on several task forces, including the Fellows Retention Task Force, the UCRERA Task Force, the Judgment Lien Task Force, the FDUPTA Task Force, the Task Force on Revisions to the ABC Statute, and the UCC Article 12 Task Force. Currently, I serve as the Judicial Co-Chair of both the Bankruptcy/UCC Committee and the Long Range Planning Committee.
What is your favorite memory from your term as Chair?
Without a doubt, my favorite memory is the Spring Executive Council Retreat to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Highlights include our visit to the Argentina Supreme Court—where a justice, noticing I was trying to quiet the group, sternly ordered me to take my seat; Judge Mike Williamson being pulled on stage to perform the tango at a local dance club; and a sunset cruise through the Tigre Delta that led us to a spa-inspired dinner location. We also spent a memorable day at a gaucho ranch, enjoying a traditional parrilla, horseback riding, drinking mate, and watching gauchos showcase their riding skills.
What is something that will surprise our members to learn about you?
Early in my career, I struggled with being naturally introverted, and it held me back from reaching my full potential. However, my involvement in the Section—and the many opportunities it offered to develop my public speaking abilities and leadership skills—helped me overcome those challenges. It changed the trajectory of my career in ways I could never have imagined.