Who Is Edward C. LaRose? The Full Story Of The Florida Judge, His Career & Family Life

Edward C. LaRose is one of Florida’s most respected appellate judges, known for his long and influential service on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. Appointed in 2005 by Governor Jeb Bush, Judge LaRose quickly became a trusted voice in appellate decision-making and a leader within the state’s judicial system. His expertise spans antitrust law, commercial litigation, employment law, and appellate practice—fields in which he built a strong professional foundation before joining the bench. Over the years, he gained public recognition not only for his clear and fair judicial opinions, but also for his leadership, community service, and dedication to legal education. His reputation as a principled jurist and thoughtful scholar has made him an admired figure in Florida’s legal community.

Profile Bio: Edward C. LaRose

Early Life and Family Background

Edward C. LaRose was born on January 20, 1955, in Putnam, Connecticut, into a disciplined and academically focused household. His parents, Camille and Lucille LaRose, encouraged intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and strong moral values. Growing up in this environment, he developed an early appreciation for study, structure, and ethics—qualities that would later define his professional career. His upbringing emphasized the importance of public service, community engagement, and lifelong learning, shaping a foundation that guided him toward the legal field.

Academic Excellence — Boston College to Cornell Law School

Judge LaRose’s academic journey reflects his lifelong commitment to excellence. He graduated summa cum laude from Boston College in 1977, earning membership in Phi Beta Kappa, one of America’s most prestigious academic honor societies. His exceptional performance opened the door to Cornell Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 1980. Cornell’s rigorous curriculum, combined with its emphasis on ethics, critical reasoning, and constitutional law, helped shape his analytical abilities and prepared him for the demands of complex litigation and appellate practice.

Early Legal Career in Washington, D.C.

After law school, Judge LaRose began his professional career at Howrey & Simon, a leading Washington, D.C. firm renowned for its antitrust practice. There, he worked on major antitrust cases, regulatory matters, and complex federal investigations. This early exposure gave him a deep understanding of competition law and high-level litigation strategy. His work at Howrey laid the foundation for his lifelong expertise in antitrust and trade regulation—specialties that later earned him board certification and statewide recognition.

Moving to Florida and Establishing His Legal Reputation

In 1983, Judge LaRose moved to Florida and joined Trenam Kemker, one of Tampa’s top law firms. Within four years, he became a shareholder, reflecting his strong work ethic and growing reputation. His practice areas included commercial litigation, antitrust, and employment law, representing businesses, corporations, and public entities. He later led the firm’s employment law practice group, demonstrating both leadership and command of complex legal issues. His colleagues recognized him as a meticulous lawyer, persuasive advocate, and compassionate advisor.

Court Appointments and Rise to the Second District Court of Appeal

Judge LaRose’s judicial career began in February 2005 when Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the Second District Court of Appeal, one of Florida’s busiest appellate courts. As an appellate judge, he reviewed cases from trial courts, resolved constitutional issues, interpreted statutes, and contributed significantly to Florida’s legal precedent. His opinions became known for their clarity, balanced reasoning, and careful attention to the facts and legal principles involved. His presence on the bench strengthened the court’s tradition of fairness, professionalism, and judicial integrity.

Service as Chief Judge of the Second District Court of Appeal

In 2017, Judge LaRose was unanimously elected Chief Judge, a role he served in until 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw court administration, case management, judicial assignments, and modernization initiatives. His leadership contributed to improving efficiency, enhancing public access to court resources, and strengthening the court’s internal organization. Colleagues described him as collegial, practical, and forward-thinking—qualities that helped the court maintain high standards of performance and public trust.

Judicial Philosophy and Approach to Decision-Making

Judge LaRose is widely recognized for his thoughtful, balanced judicial philosophy. His approach emphasizes:

– Clarity and precision in legal writing
– Judicial restraint, avoiding activism or unnecessary interpretation
– Strong respect for precedent, ensuring consistency
– Fairness, placing justice above personal views
– Efficiency, valuing timely and accessible rulings

Lawyers who appeared before him often praised his professionalism, respectful demeanor, and ability to distill complex issues into clear, reasoned decisions.

Legal Specializations and Certifications

Judge LaRose’s professional credentials demonstrate his deep legal expertise. He was Board Certified in Antitrust & Trade Regulation Law by The Florida Bar from 2001 to 2016—a distinction held by very few attorneys. He is also a certified circuit-civil mediator and served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review honor, and has been recognized in Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America, further establishing him as one of the state’s top legal minds.

Academic Contributions and Teaching at Stetson University College of Law

Beyond the bench, Judge LaRose has played a significant role in legal education. As an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law, he taught courses in appellate practice, antitrust law, and legal ethics. His teaching style emphasizes precision, fairness, and real-world legal reasoning, making him a respected mentor among law students preparing for careers in litigation and judicial service.

Professional Leadership, Committees, and Bar Contributions

Judge LaRose has served on numerous legal committees and professional boards, including:

– The Hillsborough County Bar Association
– The Florida Bar
– Antitrust & Trade Regulation Certification Committee
– Business Law Section Executive Committee
– Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee (Chair, 13th Circuit “A”)

His leadership roles reflect his dedication to improving legal standards, promoting ethics, and supporting Florida’s broader legal community.

Community Service, Faith, and Public Engagement

Community service plays an important role in Judge LaRose’s life. He served as a trustee for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and participated in Leadership Tampa and Leadership Tampa Bay, programs that support civic and professional development. He is active in his church and is a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, he has served on the advisory board of the University of Tampa Center for Ethics, promoting ethical leadership and public responsibility.

Personal Life — Marriage, Wife, and Children

Judge LaRose married Jane M. Stockard on January 8, 1983. Together, they have three children:

– Christopher E. LaRose
– Katherine E. LaRose
– P. Geoffrey LaRose

He is known as a devoted husband and father who values privacy, faith, and family life. His personal interests include golf, classical music, opera, and piano—reflecting the diverse passions that balance his intense professional responsibilities.

Awards, Recognition, and Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Judge LaRose earned numerous distinctions for legal scholarship, professional integrity, and community engagement. His peers consistently recognized him for his sound judgment, articulate writing, and commitment to justice. His judicial opinions remain influential, often cited by lawyers and courts throughout Florida. He is viewed as a judge who strengthened the appellate system through fairness, intellectual rigor, and collaborative leadership.

Retirement and Continuing Influence

After decades of distinguished service, Judge LaRose retired from the Second District Court of Appeal. Even in retirement, his influence continues through his published opinions, ongoing community involvement, and contributions to legal education. He remains a respected figure whose work continues to shape Florida’s judicial landscape.

Interesting Facts About Judge Edward C. LaRose

Judge LaRose’s life includes several notable details:
He is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, a classical music enthusiast, and an accomplished pianist. He once served as a special assistant city attorney in St. Petersburg and played key roles in several major statewide legal committees. Known for his clarity in appellate writing, he has authored numerous opinions that remain important references in Florida law.

Conclusion

Edward C. LaRose’s journey—from a dedicated scholar to a respected lawyer, appellate judge, chief judge, educator, and community leader—reflects a lifetime committed to justice, service, and integrity. His legal opinions, leadership roles, and academic contributions have made a lasting impact on Florida’s judiciary. Even after retirement, his influence endures through the many lawyers he mentored, the rulings he authored, and the public institutions he strengthened. Judge LaRose remains a model of ethical leadership and judicial excellence in Florida’s legal history.

FAQs About Edward C. LaRose 

1. Who is Edward C. LaRose?

Edward C. LaRose is a respected American judge who served on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal from 2005. He is known for his expertise in antitrust, commercial litigation, employment law, and appellate judicial leadership.

2. What is Judge Edward C. LaRose best known for?

Judge LaRose is best known for his clear appellate opinions, his service as Chief Judge (2017–2019), his legal scholarship, and his decades of contributions to Florida’s judicial system.

3. Where did Edward C. LaRose study law?

Edward C. LaRose earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Cornell Law School in 1980 after graduating summa cum laude from Boston College in 1977.

4. Is Judge Edward C. LaRose still serving on the court?

No. Judge Edward C. LaRose has retired from active judicial service but remains influential through his published opinions, teaching, and community involvement.

5. Who is Edward C. LaRose’s wife and how many children does he have?

Edward C. LaRose is married to Jane M. Stockard. They have three children: Christopher E. LaRose, Katherine E. LaRose, and P. Geoffrey LaRose.

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