Jamaican American attorney-at-law Tamar Hamilton has her eyes firmly fixed on becoming a judge. She is hunting a seat on the bench in the final of the Broward County election to be held August 10-20, 2024.
Hamilton says her decision to run stems from her passion for service and her belief in fairness and justice for all. “Becoming a judge was inspired by my community engagement and legal experience that prepared me for the role. I believe in fair and equitable treatment for all and that is not what I have seen in my practice in the courts.”
“I want to be a voice of fairness and impartiality; someone who will give everyone the opportunity to be heard as is afforded under the constitution of the United States of America,” said Hamilton who was born in St Elizabeth and relocated to Kingston at age six.
She bemoans the lack of minority representation in the legal field and wider corporate America.
“Although we have seen efforts through education and training, there is still concern about the poor representation of minorities in the legal and corporate environment. When you look at the court system you see that there is still need for change. Broward County is very diverse with people from all over the world, yet the representation is so limited.
“On taking office my early priorities will include bringing visibility and awareness of the justice system to minorities. In my practice, I have found that the average person has very limited knowledge of the very system that they have to utilize to protect their rights,” she said.
Hamilton attended Constant Spring All-Age and later Kingston Technical High School. She recalls her school days as being tough.
“The struggle was real and I remember going to school many days without lunch, hoping that mommy would get a day job so I could look forward to dinner. On many occasions mommy had to wait to collect her pay. As a result, I had to stay home from school more often than I should.
Through it all she persevered.
Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Arts and Humanities from Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton, Florida, with emphasis in the areas of communication and writing.
She later received her Juris Doctorate degree with honors from St Thomas University School of Law in Miami Gardens, Florida, where she now serves as an adjunct law professor.
With her desire to impact as many lives as possible with the knowledge and experiences she had gained, she returned to Jamaica, and achieved the Legal Certificate (law school degree) at the Norman Manley Law School, allowing her to practice law in 21 Eastern Caribbean islands.
Tamar Hamilton is the Founder and Lead Attorney of the Law Office of Tamar N. Hamilton, P.A., where she brings Experience in Property Law, Contract Law, Wills, Trusts, and Probate. Her extensive experience includes managing large caseloads involving multiple parties, showcasing her ability to handle complex legal matters efficiently and effectively. Tamar’s strong listening skills ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard, a quality she is eager to bring to the bench.
Her Commitment to Justice is evident not only in her practice but also in her scholarly work. Her research, ‘Overview of the Florida State University’s Health Care Access Project,’ published in the Florida Public Interest Journal in 2013, underscores her dedication to making legal systems more accessible to the public.
In her role as an adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University School of Law, Hamilton demonstrates Proven Leadership. She not only educates but also mentors her students, maintaining an open-door policy to help them gain the experience they need to fulfill their dreams and destinies.
Hamilton says she adheres to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that each decision is impartial, fair, and rooted in law. This commitment to integrity is a core value she says she aims to bring to her role as a judge.
Hamilton is also an active member of her community she is a member of the General Legal Council of Jamaica, the Florida Bar, and multiple local bar associations. She is also deeply involved in her church and community, embodying the values and ethics she aims to bring to her role as a judge. Tamar is happily married to Gregory, and they are blessed with two wonderful children, Shaneil and Gregory II. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and friends, further emphasizing her community-centric approach
