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MORE ON GREER from the CLEARWATER BAR in 1998

http://www.clwbar.org/resipsa/march98/judgeS.html

Judicial Spotlight

Honorable George W. Greer

by Carolyn DuPree Hill

Judge Greer was elected to the circuit bench in 1992. As most of you know, the Judge is no stranger to politics. As early as 1972, he began working in judicial campaigns for Judges Phillip Federico, Grable Stoutamire and Burton Easton. In 1973, the Judge was hired to help create a city charter for the Town of Largo.

After serving on the Board of Adjustment from 1979 to 1984, the Judge decided to run for county commissioner. Naturally, the Judge was the victor. As commissioner, he backed the Pinellas Trail, Penny for Pinellas sales tax and a redesign of the widening of the Courtney Campbell Parkway.

The Judge has been referred to as a hands-on everyday politician. Some say that his political prowess was such that when a prospective opponent learned that the Judge was the opposition, the opponent sought another seat. This was evident in 1992 when the Judge won his seat on the bench without opposition.

In January 1993, Judge Greer was assigned to the Juvenile Division. He was reassigned to the Probate, Guardianship and Trust Division in August 1994. In January of this year he was assigned to the Family Law Division. Judge Greer is experiencing a strong learning curve and is eager to mention that the lawyers have been especially kind to him. He reads everything he can find on family law and talks with other judges and lawyers. In February, he completed the Family Law Certification Review Course. The Judge brings a special talent to the bench, having been a custodial and a non-custodial parent. He understands the significance of the decisions that he makes. Judge Greer decided back in the early 1970s that he wanted to be a judge. He considers presiding on the bench to be the ultimate achievement in the legal profession. The Clearwater Bar Association considers the Judge to be the consummate professional.

In late January, the Clearwater Bar Association judicial poll was released. The Judge ranked number four in the overall score. He ranked in the top five for legal knowledge and legal ability, impartiality and freedom from bias, demeanor, courtesy, judicial temperament and diligence. Although the Judge was born in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up in Dunedin. He graduated from Clearwater High School, St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida State University and received his J.D. from the University of Florida. His first position after graduation was with Wolfe, Bonner & Hogan. From 1969 until 1992, he was a sole practitioner.

On a more personal note, the Judge is married to Patricia Greer and is the proud father of twin sons, Jeffery and Jason. Jeffery resides in St. Louis, MO, and Jason resides in Mobile, AL. Both sons miss dad and the great Florida climate. The Judge's parents both passed on in 1991. The Judge has one sister, Margaret, who he speaks of with deep love and admiration. Margaret and her husband reside in Denver, CO. The Judge frequently can be found on the slopes near Denver. He also enjoys running. Rumor has it, he was quite a basketball player in his more youthful days. The 6th Circuit is especially fortunate to have Judge Greer. His wonderful demeanor coupled with his legal acumen and life experiences are qualities necessary to handle tough legal matters.